Rollem invests to support key workers

NHS staff at Chesterfield Surgery wearing face shields produced by Rollem
NHS staff at Chesterfield Surgery wearing face shields produced by Rollem

Post-press equipment manufacturer Rollem has invested £15,000 in a brace of additional 3D printers to expands its PPE production capacity and support NHS and key workers.

The manufacturer is part of the not-for-profit National 3D Printing Society’s social enterprise initiative to support the NHS by supplying N3DPS face shields.

As well as the additional printers, which were installed last month, the Barnsley-based firm bulk bought the required consumables and converted unused office space at its Tankersley factory into a clean room for the manufacture of the shields.

The firm can now produce up to 500 free face shields per week.

“We have complete face shields in stock for any NHS or social care workers that need them, we have also made 100 buttons for a team in Derbyshire making scrubs for the NHS,” said managing director Stuart Murphy.

“We are pleased to be able to contribute in some way to supporting the NHS and social care workers during the coronavirus pandemic.”

Each N3DPS shield costs £1.50 to produce, which comprises a 3D printed frame and PVC screen, which can be made from a clear binder cover punched with a standard four-hole punch.

Full details on how to support the initiative can be found via the Rollem website.

While the company has furloughed 50% of its 38 staff, it continues to support customers remotely throughout the lockdown.

The business, which celebrated its 90th anniversary last year, recently underwent a restructure, which included a £1.35m sale and leaseback of its manufacturing plant.