Leamington’s Tecman creates more jobs as it opens advanced manufacturing hub for PPE

Tecman Advanced Material Engineers, in Berrington Road, has created the new facility in Ramsey Road as it seeks to become a world leader in the development and manufacture of face and eye protection for frontline medical staff.

The new hub includes 100,000 square feet of storage, a new automation system to streamline production, and state-of-the-art machinery to boost manufacturing capacity.

The move comes as the company looks to the future after having risen to the national challenge to tackle a shortage of protective gear for health workers caring for patients with Covid-19.

At the height of the crisis, the company was manufacturing one million face shields a week and added 30 new recruits to its 20-strong staff to keep pace with demand.

Tecman has manufactured the new lightweight, disposable face shields since April, under the brand Tecman Advanced Healthcare Products.

Kevin Porter, managing director, said: “This vital product has helped to tackle a global shortage of PPE, and has protected thousands of vulnerable healthcare workers around the UK.

“But the company isn’t stopping there. Instead, the team is developing new and improved face shields and other protective products that address healthcare workers’ needs and comfort concerns.

“Developing and manufacturing an effective product to support frontline workers has already led to the creation of 30 new jobs.

“Our expansion into new premises creates a need to expand our team further, and we’re delighted to be able to offer jobs within the West Midlands during a time when many are unable to work.

He added: “Opening the new production site for face and eye protection products frees up manufacturing capacity in our current facility – an important and positive step on the road to recovery as Tecman’s regular customers begin to reopen after the peak of Covid-19.”