Coronavirus in Scotland: Rocket firm switches to making masks and hand sanitiser

Skyrora is using a 3D printer to make masks

BRAINY boffins at a Capital rocket firm have switched production to help fight the spread of coronavirus.

Princes Street-based Skyrora has swapped building launch vehicles for small satellites to making much-needed masks and hand sanitiser.

The firm is producing face visors using its 3D printing facilities while also aiming to deliver 10,000 bottles of hand wash per week.

The firm is hoping to make 10,000 bottles of hand sanitiser per week

Skyrora chief executive officer Volodymyr Levykin said: “The Covid-19 pandemic is a global threat and a human tragedy.

“There is a responsibility for businesses to refocus their operations and do all that they can to help keep people safe.”

The firm is working with both the UK and Scottish governments to help support the NHS and deliver the right specification for equipment.

Its manufacturing division has been hastily restructured and all staff focused on delivering the supplies.

Bosses acted amid a shortage of personal protective equipment for a host of frontline workers - with their hand sanitiser meeting World Health Organisation guidelines.

After developing its first batch of hand sanitisers, the company was contacted by the UK Government discussing its ability to mass manufacture the product.

The firm now aims to upscale production with a goal of 10,000 250ml bottles of hand sanitiser per week rolling off the production line.

Bosses are also in talks with the Scottish Government on whether its 3D-printed face visors can be used to help health workers.

Initial tests are being completed with the aim of rolling out mass production shortly afterwards.

“We are in the fortunate position of being able to answer calls from our NHS and from government to support their heroic efforts,” said Mr Levykin.

“We are determined to do everything we can and are confident, in the end, that we will get through this stronger.

“It is at a time like this that businesses should step up and carry out a civic duty, setting aside normal commercial activity and standing side by side with government and the NHS for the greater good of our country.”