The Manufacturing Assembly Network’s role in supporting the Covid-19 fightback was recognised recently, when it came runner-up in the Manufacturing Matters category at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2021.
The collective of seven sub-contract manufacturers and a specialist engineering design agency impressed judges with the way it had invested its own time and money into the development of the manKIND visor to help bridge the shortfall in PPE at the start of the pandemic.
Every business played their own specific role in the design, development, manufacture, assembly and marketing of the reusable visor, which is comfortable and versatile to wear, fitting both adults and children.
The first 20,000 units were produced and donated to hospitals, medical practices, charities and community groups, with MAN selling a further 80,000 commercially through eBay and its own website.
Austin Owens, Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Assembly Network and founder of Grove Design, commented: “The manKIND visor shows what we can achieve when manufacturers work together, with the idea being turned into reality in a matter of months rather than years.
“This included numerous design iterations by Grove Design and new mould tooling by Barkley Plastics, with Brandauer responsible for assembly and fulfilment.
“The project was a huge success at a very difficult time for society and industry in general and I’m delighted we have been recognised by the Make UK awards for our efforts.”
The manKIND visor has currently been adopted by ten NHS trusts, thirty hospitals, 20 medical practices and more than 100 community groups and charities.
It also provided a fantastic test bed of learning for more than 15 apprentices across the eight member companies of MAN.
The Manufacturing Assembly Network is a collaboration of 9 sub-contract manufacturers and an engineering design agency.
Its membership includes Alucast, Brandauer, Grove Design, James Lister & Sons, KimberMills International, Muller, Nemco, PP Control & Automation and WMG.
