TWO Selkirk companies have combined to help make more than 25,000 face shields for hospitals and local businesses.

Cademuir Engineering and Eadie Bros and Co have worked together since the start of April to supply 3D-printed visors, of which 10,000 have been sent to Selkirk-based workwear distributor Guthrie Group.

The Guthrie Group's Selkirk manager Alan Skeldon said: “It's great to have local businesses with the ability to make face shields, allowing us to supply to local healthcare facilities.”

A club of engineering enthusiasts based in Edinburgh, called Edinburgh Shield Force, contacted Eadie Bros for help making personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers.

The engineers needed headbands for the face shields they were distributing to Scottish healthcare workers, including those at the Borders General Hospital.

Using Eadie Bros’ injection-moulding tool, Cademuir made the headbands using state-of-the art equipment which enables each part to be robotically handled, minimising contamination risk and increasing the production rate to 3,500 a day.

Cademuir Engineering production manager Marc Phaup said: “It's fantastic to be involved in this important project for our NHS, along with supplying local businesses like Guthrie Group.

“There are a lot of different groups who have come together to achieve the goal of getting PPE to our frontline workers.”

A spokesperson for the Edinburgh Shield Force added: “This project has only been possible because of the combined experience of our team, the tireless dedication of our volunteers and the flexibility and hard work of our partners Eadie Bros and Co and Cademuir Engineering.”

Edinburgh Shield Force is relying on a fundraising appeal, which you can access through this link.