AN East Lancashire group commercial director of a North West manufacturing firm has been placed at the forefront of the Government’s fight against the coronavirus epidemic, as staff work round the clock to fit out the NHS Nightingale Hospital in Manchester.

Chris Brindle, from Oswaldtwistle, has spoken of his pride that the Cabinet Office added Trafford Rubber Products Ltd to the emergency list of firms they can rely on to help in the fight against the virus.

The company, which manufactures rubber compounds for use in medical supplies including ventilators, had signed up to a Government appeal to help the national effort. 

Chris Brindle said: “I am extremely proud of all the workforce for all the hard work they are putting in during these difficult times. I read in Trafford Council’s Business Bulletin about the appeal from the Government and put our name forward straight away. I was delighted to receive the call from the Cabinet Office – we are here and ready to help when needed.

“We are also proud to have been able to help the new Nightingale Hospital in central Manchester. This is a time for everyone to pull together and help – and that’s exactly what we aim to do. Again, a massive thank you to all my staff.”

The company has also been helping in the local fight against coronavirus by working against the clock to provide a large order of rubber sheeting for the new NHS Nightingale Hospital in Manchester Central. 

But now, the firm have also been helping Electricity North West with their supplies as well as providing compounds for medical equipment which is going to America.

The 44-year-old added: “Manufacturing must stay open to keep the economy going.

“We have been putting things in place such as working shift patterns so no more than three people are in the canteen.

“Also we have been putting social distancing in place and hygiene.

“It is good for the workers to see how they are helping with the effort and they have got letters from the CEO of Electricity North West and also from America saying they are having to go to work.

“There was a bit of a buzz out of the order going to the Nightingale and then we got a call from the Cabinet Office to say about joining the list of suppliers if anyone needs our compounds then they can call.

“Also it is good to think that the NHS needed that rubber we were able to help out.”

Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s Executive member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “I am proud that the Trafford manufacturing community is pulling together during these very difficult times. This coronavirus situation is unprecedented and we need everyone to help as much as possible.

“Well done to all the staff at Trafford Rubber Products – a great team effort. I am proud that a local company has been recognised as such an asset by the Government.”