Proud to support first responders and key workers across Europe

In addition, to prioritising key workers, the team has worked together with staff at the Panasonic Home Appliance division, also based at the Panasonic Manufacturing UK Ltd. (PMUK) site in Cardiff, to assist the local community in other areas.

A cross-site team worked together to create a new production line in just two days to produce 80 prototype breathing devices to assist hospital patients suffering from COVID-19. The emergency breathing aid – a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device – was designed by hospital consultant Dr Rhys Thomas and local engineer Maurice Clarke. Panasonic staff from across the centre worked around the clock, in response to a Welsh Government request, to procure parts and produce 80 units for regulatory approval and use in clinical trials. The Panasonic facility is on standby to produce a 1,000 more devices if required.

Staff at the Panasonic facility have also been involved in a number of other initiatives to help the community during the coronavirus crisis. This included another request by the Welsh Government to carry out Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing and reporting on a new Oximeter developed by the University of South Wales to measure levels of oxygen in the blood. In addition, Engineers have been using 3D printers to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the NHS, and donated Panasonic TOUGHBOOK mobile computing devices to help patients in isolation communicate with relatives.

I’m incredibly proud of the team. They realise the customers they support are working on the frontline and they have a clear sense of purpose. Everyone wants to make a difference. They are all heroes in my eyes.