Fight against “COVID-19”: Liberty British Aluminium smelter to produce metal for oxygen bottles as an emergency supply

Liberty British Aluminium, Britain’s only remaining aluminium smelter, is supporting the fight against COVID-19 by making metal for NHS oxygen bottles.

The Fort William plant has assisted with an emergency job to produce 20 tonnes of oxygen bottles for treating coronavirus patients.

The order was placed by Bridgnorth Aluminium in Shropshire which usually supplies the pharmaceuticals and food industry.

Tonnes of aluminium have been produced by the company’s 160 on-site workers to keep continuing to supply essential sectors.

The smelter’s managing director Brian King said: “It’s good to know that we are keeping the supply chain going and contributing to the fight against the virus. It’s a classic example of turning your hand to try to help the situation.”

“There are lots of reasons why we need to continue to operate, but the main one from the virus perspective is supplying these products to make the necessary equipment for the NHS.”

“Bridgnorth considers us to be the main supplier in the UK, so without us, they would struggle to produce the products which they are making for the NHS.”

Simon MacVicker, Managing Director of Bridgnorth Aluminium, said: “Our aluminium is widely used in medical packaging and food packaging – but it’s the first time I’m aware of that we have supplied metal for NHS oxygen bottles.”

“We are pleased to step up and to play a small part in the battle against coronavirus.”