Unsung heroes: SME manufacturers rise to COVID challenge

Companies with representatives in China sensed the Covid-19 storm brewing when cities in Hubei province followed Wuhan by implementing lockdown in January 2020.

Alloy Wire International (AWI) has over 40 agents across the world and a key growth market is the Far East.

“As the virus spread and media focus intensified, we knew it was heading for the UK and started to take appropriate measures in the middle of February,” said Angus Hogarth, Sales Director at the Brierley Hill-based based company.

Criticised since for its late response, the UK government imposed an initial three-week lockdown on March 23 that was extended for a minimum of three weeks on April 16. Phase one saw ‘furlough’ enter the lexicon as companies scrambled to remain viable and video conferencing services including Zoom were keeping people in touch.

It also became clear that frontline NHS staff were in urgent need of PPE (personal protective equipment) to protect against patients’ involuntary reactions to Covid-19, as well as ventilators and breathing apparatus to assist patients afflicted with the severe respiratory condition.