London companies are nimble and rising to the challenge, and the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is putting a spotlight on some of the many success stories arising out of COVID-19.
In the face of these unprecedented times, we’re seeing many businesses shifting gears to support COVID relief efforts. From pivoting production to manufacturing or donating essential products, London companies are helping to #CombatCOVID.
With efforts like these on all fronts – from all levels of government, support organizations, businesses, and the community – London will remain resilient through this challenging time.
Thank you to many companies and individuals that have stepped up to help wherever they can. How can you help? Share these stories widely or support these local businesses in any way that you can.
If you're looking for further COVID-19-related support, please visit our London Business COVID-19 Portal.
On the Front Lines Now more than ever, demand has increased for locally manufactured products for frontline workers, researchers, and healthcare institutions. With London's history of medical firsts and achievements, it's no surprise to see local success stories of companies ramping up production to ensure the demand products in the healthcare industry are met.
Did you know? London is already home to healthcare leaders that are producing vital components and products for the healthcare industry. Starlim Sterner is the largest company of its kind in Canada to serve the healthcare sector, and its silicone parts can be found in health care devices throughout the world. Already a manufacturer of respiratory devices – from ventilation to oxygen and aerosol delivery, Trudell Medical International is on the front lines manufacturing medical devices.
These devices are essential to support front line workers in helping those with COVID-19. Similarly, other critical components for health care institutions like hospital beds and surgical equipment are being manufactured in London by companies like OES Inc. and Stryker.
In addition to businesses pivoting production to manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE), which you can read about in our last #combatCOVID article, companies already manufacturing in this space have ramped up production to help meet demand. Progressive Fluids in Mississauga, a manufacturer that’s relocating its plant to London, is shipping their products, which includes masks, PPE, and hand sanitizer, to Goodwill Commercial Solutions and are being distributed locally.
London-based defense giant General Dynamics Land Systems Canada (GDLS) recently donated its supply of life saving medical equipment – 14 ventilators and 860 N95 respirators – to the London Health Sciences Centre. These supplies are typically used in the GDLS LAV ambulances. Now, the company has taken that a step further and has partnered with Western University to produce 500 medical face shields per day.
On the research side, local firm Diagnostics Biochem Canada (DBC) has reached a research breakthrough in developing a COVID-19 test kit promising speedy results. The test kits can identify whether someone has antibodies fighting the coronavirus and is a quick, non-intrusive, and cost-effective method to indicate if the patient has COVID-19. DBC is working with the National Research Council and Health Canada to expedite these tests to healthcare providers across the country.
Does your business need help to keep up with the increased demand for medical gear and products? Fanshawe College has several students and recent graduates from the Operations Management program that can help you adjust your production and operations over the summer months.
London is Stepping Up
Does your business want to get involved? Have an innovative idea? Let’s generate solutions together. Contact us today using the form at the bottom of this article.
