Phusion IM pivots to produce PPE

Teesside healthcare providers can access personal protective equipment (PPE) in the shape of plastic face shields thanks to FW Capital-backed Phusion IM.

The engineering information management firm received a six-figure investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, in 2019.

Now the Billingham-based company, known for its innovative market solutions, is using its two 3D printers to produce plastic face shields for frontline healthcare workers through an initiative called 3D Crowd UK.

Alex Hayward, Phusion IM Managing Director, said: “We’re proud to be playing a small part in helping our amazing front line healthcare workers through the 3D Crowd UK initiative to produce protective face shields.

“Our pair of 3D printers are working away producing headbands, which we are attaching laser cut plastic sheeting to create the protective barrier. 
 
“3D Crowd UK is a brilliant project, which reflects our philosophy of information sharing and collective collaboration. The support this has attracted, both in terms of the number of shields in production (currently in excess of 80,000) and donations, demonstrates the amazing sense of community that has been formed between business, education and individuals.”
 
FW Capital’s Senior Portfolio Executive, Lindsey McMenamin, said: “Phusion IM has a track record of diversification and it’s inspiring to see how it has mobilised to provide a solution to the current PPE shortages. It’s great to have Alex and the team as part of the FW Capital portfolio and we’re very proud of all their work.”

Mark Wilcockson, Senior Manager at the British Business Bank said: “It’s fantastic to see another NPIF-portfolio business use their services to aid healthcare providers across Teesside. At this time, it is important that business communities are doing all they can to diversify their services where possible.”

Local healthcare providers in Teesside who would like to benefit from Phusion IM’s face shield production can find out more at www.3dcrowd.co.uk.