Rostrevor, Northern Ireland-based manufacturing company, Bradfor Ltd, has diversified its offering into the health sector by sewing over 12,000 scrubs and gowns since the beginning of April, providing PPE to organisations across Ireland in the fight against Coronavirus.

Having closed its factory in mid-March due to the pandemic, Bradfor Ltd has made substantial changes to its facility and over the past month, has diligently and safely sewn scrubs and gowns, which are being worn in many hospitals and health care trusts. More recently, it has also donated some sets to local health centres in Kilkeel and Warrenpoint.

Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd, Patricia Clements commented, “Bradfor Ltd has been operating for nearly 25 years and with a workforce of over 100, which include numerous seamstresses, this was a very obvious step for the company to take. Working in the aerospace sector where quality, excellent lead times and high-quality manufacturing is the norm, we knew where we could add value in this rapidly changing environment.

“We are very lucky in that our factory is over two floors and lends itself to social distancing. We’ve also a number of extra measures in place, from staggered start times and breaks, to added infrastructure and a one-way system to protect our employees. To date we’ve been fortunate in the number of enquiries regarding manufacturing scrubs and gowns and our highly trained seamstresses were only too delighted to assist during this pandemic.”

Bradfor Ltd Managing Director, Patricia Clements, presents a donation of PPE to Elvera McNulty from Warrenpoint Health Centre. The company has diversified itsoffering into the health sector by sewing gowns and scrubs to assist in the fight against Coronavirus. Image: Bradfor

“As a company, I also wanted to be able to help those locally and we’ve just donated some gowns and scrubs to Kilkeel Health Centre and Warrenpoint Health Centre. We are very much rooted in our community and if we can help, we will,” said Clements.

Known for specialising in dress covers, upholstery fabrics and leather and providing seat covers, headrest covers, straps and diaphragms, along with digitising design services to a range of global clients, Bradfor Ltd has expert knowledge in materials and sewing.

Clements added, “The company has a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals and is keen to continue to assist and make scrubs and gowns. We’re also looking at making face masks which are undergoing various trials with one of our global customers. We are using a polycotton, breathable and washable material which seems to work well for many.”

Bradfor Ltd, an AS9100 accredited provider, was also awarded the prestigious SC21 Award Silver in B/E Aerospace (now Collins Aerospace) Supply Chain Programme in 2016 and for the following four years. It has also received the EFQM 5 star ‘Recognised for Excellence’.

Bradfor Ltd’s latest range of PPE for the health sector includes gowns, scrubs and masks. Image: Bradfor