Johnson Matthey donates space to make ventilators

Johnson Matthey in Royston has donated space at one its sites in order to help DHL to assemble ventilators on behalf of Ventilator Challenge UK. This is a not for profit organisation that is led by two different consortiums making two types of ventilators.

DHL was asked to create, construct and manage logistics operations for both consortiums who have been charged with manufacturing 15,000 ventilators in 12 weeks. This is a marked increase on the 4,000 ventilators typically manufactured in the UK each year.

As it became clear that capacity would be constrained if both supply chains continued to operate from one facility, DHL approached Johnson Matthey to support the consortium and logistics provision through its site in Bedford.

John Tobin, Regional Warehouse & Network Manager, Johnson Matthey, explained:"As a long standing partner of DHL with knowledge and expertise of the automotive supply chain, we didn’t hesitate to agree. We’re delighted to help by offering our site to store and ship the parts and components that ultimately allow the assembly of approximately 8000 ventilators. Each ventilator will help save hundreds of lives affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and we’re proud to be able to help." 

JM’s Bedford site is now being used as part of the Ventilator Challenge UK Supply Chain. Six trailers worth of product arrives at the site each day - this will enable the DHL teams to support the assembly of approximately 600 ventilators every day.

The other consortium members which Johnson Matthey is supporting includes Airbus, Unilever and Jaguar Land Rover among others.

The DHL team at the Johnson Matthey site will operate with strict social distancing rules in place ensuring the safety and well-being of the individuals involved.

Tony Fitton, Vice President, DHL Automotive, added: "I’d like to thank Johnson Matthey again for allowing the use of their facility in Bedford for the receipt, storage, picking and shipping of ventilator components. These will ultimately lead to the assembly of over 8,000 ventilators and contribute to the VentilatorChallengeUK."