Factory to work around the clock

Wednesday 08 April 2020

While some firms have had to lay off staff, a manufacturing company has been hiring to help it produce tens of thousands of pieces of vital hospital equipment per day.

Intersurgical is involved in efforts to make much-needed products that will save the lives of some people who contract the corona virus.

The equipment they make includes the connections between patients and their ventilators, tubes and filters, which are going to hospitals in Guernsey, the UK and the rest of the world. 

Manufacturing Manager David Inder said output has increased within the factory by over 36%, and now stands at around 90,000 products per day.

HR Manager Anna Mills said they had increased their team and will continue to do so during this period of increased demand.

“Over the past week plans have been put in place to create a third shift in our Assembly area so that we can run 24 hours a day. We have had many people asking about joining the workforce at Intersurgical to help fight against the virus.”

 Pictured: Intersurgical currently employs 117 people locally.

Over the past 7 days, Intersurgical has taken on 12 extra staff on short term contracts, taking the total number of employees to 117. The new staff include ex-employees, students, those that have been laid off work and senior staff from a large local building company who are willing to help because their business has had to temporarily close due to the lockdown.  

“Local people have been fantastic in helping us and we will continue to take on extra staff and run extra shifts," said Ms Mills. "Once again I would like to say a huge thank you to every member of our existing staff and new joiners too, your hard work and commitment is saving the lives of many Covid-19 positive patients and you should all be very proud of yourselves”.

Mr Inder said it had been a tough time for staff, who are now working longer hours, have cancelled all forthcoming annual leave, and are giving up their well-deserved Easter Holiday break to allow the company to continue running.

Mr Inder said he is "very proud of the workforce at Intersurgical and extremely thankful to all staff" for all their efforts and commitment at this difficult time.