One of the firm’s welders suggested switching some of its 3D printers to helping manufacture PPE urgently needed by the NHS.

Welder Elliot Headley said: “In the current situation, Solinear’s 3D printers could be better applied to the production of face shields.

“Having seen the news and understanding the gravity of the situation it made sense to me – switch from production of regular Solinear items to face shields, if we can.”

The 3D printers usually produce ancillary components for Solinear’s architectural louvres and solar shading products.

Now they are manufacturing plastic clamps for face shields for as long as the crisis continues while production of Solinear’s usual range continues while adhering to strict government directives.

In another example of the industry rallying to help, CLD Fencing Systems has launched the Covid-19 Rapid Response Physical Security Team

The team is made up of key physical perimeter security advisors from CLD and members of the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) around the UK who are able to provide front line services such as the NHS, HM Armed Forces and supply depots with rapid foundation free fencing to protect staff, supplies and equipment.

Russell Wells, Global Sales Director at CLD Fencing Systems said: “We are already supporting key projects in the UK for the Armed Forces and NHS.

“However, we wanted to see how we could take this one stage further. That is why we spoke with our extensive Approved Contractors located across the length and breadth of the UK to see what we could do together.”

The team operates a 24/7 policy, where any front-line service can contact CLD for support. A trained physical perimeter security advisor will discuss the requirements and challenges of the site, from temporary hospitals to forward supply depots.

They will then formulate a package and arrange with members of the ACS network to supply and install the fencing and gate solutions.

Stewart Plant, Director of Marketing at CLD Fencing Systems, said: “With the NHS facing it’s biggest crisis outside of war time we are seeing opportunist attacks for PPE and medical supplies on a national scale.

“By taking the pressures of arranging and sourcing physical security from the NHS and Military we allow them to concentrate on saving lives whilst our teams and network work on keeping them safe and secure.”

A dedicated webpage has been set up for the service here or call 24hrs on Freephone number 0800 074 2861