Shannon based medical equipment fabrication and assembly supplier, Bolgers have had to increase its ventilator fabrication manufacturing operations during its fortieth year in business to help the frontline confronting Covid-19.
This is being carried out to support Medtronic, the world’s largest medical technology company, as they more than double to manufacture and supply ventilators in response to the urgent needs of patients and healthcare systems across the globe confronting COVID-19.
Bolgers manufacture the chassis’ for Medtronic’s Puritan Bennett™ 980 (PB 980) and Puritan Bennett™ 840 (PB 840) high-performance ventilators from its purpose built facility in Shannon. These ventilators are primarily designed for critically ill patients in high acuity settings. Ventilator demand has significantly increased in light of COVID-19.
High-performance ventilators play a critical role in the management of patients with severe respiratory illness, such as COVID-19, who require assistance because they cannot breathe effectively. By placing a patient on such a ventilator, the patient’s lungs are permitted to rest and recover while the ventilator performs the functions of supplying oxygen and simulating the actions of breathing. Without ventilation support, many patients with severe respiratory disease might not survive.
Managing director Graham Bolger confirmed they have brought on an additional members of staff, approximately twenty five and have implemented new manufacturing shift patterns. “We also have strong commitments from our supply chain to support us during this unprecedented ramp up of demand and we fully expect to support Medtronic to get ventilators to market quickly. In partnership with our supply chain, we are now going to be in the frontline of the battle against COVID-19 and we will play our part in the national and international effort”.
Shannon Chamber CEO, Helen Downes said the commitment from companies in the area to keep businesses running while working within HSE and WHO health and safety requirements was “commendable”.
“To now see a company ramping up its activities to play its part in providing a much-needed medical device, so vital to assisting doctors deal with and patients recover from the COVID- 19 virus, is exceptional. Bolgers’ ability to respond so swiftly to this need demonstrates the value of having business continuity plans in place, coupled with, as in this instance, an ability to expand production lines. Well done to all the team,” Downes added.
