Jaguar Land Rover steps up visor production for NHS workers
Jaguar Land Rover is scaling up production of its protective face visors in a continued effort to support the fight against coronavirus.
The luxury car giant, which has its engine plant at the i54 on the Wolverhampton and Staffordshire border, is aiming to produce 14,000 a week.
The 3D-printed face visors will be created at its Advanced Product Creation Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
Visors have been produced and shipped thanks to new tooling, developed by Sutton Coldfield-based WHS Plastics, to NHS Trusts across the UK.
Jaguar Land Rover is also releasing its NHS-approved CAD design in the hope that businesses with additive manufacturing facilities will join the global call for more personal protection equipment.
It comes as JLR will restart engine production at its i54 plant next month after halting it last month due to coronavirus.
JLR additive manufacturing and prototype design manager Ben Wilson said: "We hope that by providing the files for download, many more companies will be inspired to use their 3D-printing facilities to print vital PPE equipment for our key workers.
"Every effort, however small it may seem, is a contribution to a collective effort that will ensure our emergency services have what they need to continue their vital work.
"Each face visor has been designed to be reusable and can be easily dismantled and cleaned before being used again, safeguarding NHS trusts against future shortages."
Group managing director for WHS Plastics, Paul Nicholson, said: "Each and every day, our NHS heroes are risking their lives to ensure that those affected by coronavirus receive urgent medical attention.
"In manufacturing, we are uniquely placed to support our essential services, to help deliver critical equipment to those on the frontline here in the Midlands. It’s a small effort, but by working with Jaguar Land Rover we can help turn the tide."
