WCA September 2020

Industry news

Greater demand for wire forms in medical equipment

One of the sub suppliers to the medical technology industry is John While Solutions, a Lesjöfors company based in Singapore. For many years, the company has supplied a wire form – in small quantities – for one of the firms that manufactures medical equipment. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, John While Solutions has already this year produced many thousands of pieces over and above the shipping in the first quarter of 2020. With a new US government requirement, the number of demanded wire forms is expected to exceed ten times the already-delivered items. Roy Loh, vice president of Lesjöfors Spring Technology in Asia, commented on the extended demand, “We are very happy that we can contribute to fight this pandemic. Our products meet the high standards of the very restricted area of medical equipment and we do our utmost to speed up the production of this particular component and deliver in the requested time frame.” The Lesjöfors Group provides a wide range of springs and pressings to customers in diverse industries around the world. With expertise in high technological, custom-made solutions and a flexible manufacturing capacity, Lesjöfors is a partner for all spring requirements. The group is owned by Beijer Alma – a listed company on the Swedish stock exchange Nasdaq Stockholm AB – and comprises almost 40 manufacturing and sales companies in many countries. Lesjöfors AB www.lesjoforsab.com John While Solutions www.jwsprings.com

The spread of COVID-19 has led to a situation where the worldwide demand for medical equipment is very high. The Lesjöfors company John While Solutions in Singapore has received a large order for a wire form with an important function in life-saving equipment.

The US health care system is under pressure because of the rising number of COVID-19 patients. The USA is, at the time of writing, the worst affected in the world with more than 2,000,000 confirmed cases. To treat the severely ill patients, emergency departments and intensive care units need more advanced medical equipment, and the US government has granted funds for purchasing the required kit. ❍ John While Solutions produces wire forms that meet high medical standards

International showcase of fastener and fixing technologies

Key personnel, including cleaning, medical, food and beverage workers and contractors, will be offered PPE. The communication standards include event signage to display the common signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and actions to take if necessary, as communicated by the appropriate medical and health authorities, as well as public addresses during the show. The Fastener Expo provides a platform for the latest products and innovations shaping the future of the fastener and fixing industry. It also acts as a trading forum and networking environment, offering insights into future technologies and market trends. The Fastener Expo www.thefastenexpo.co.uk

practice, risk-assessed guide and outline measures to consider, or are mandated as a minimum standard, some of which are detailed below. Physical distancing measures include staggered admission; control of crowd density; and the use of technology to minimise queuing and contact during registration, and to facilitate seamless and contactless entry and exit. In the area of cleaning and hygiene, exhibitors will disinfect their stands and exhibits regularly throughout the event, and hand sanitiser stations will be positioned at key locations throughout the venue. Face masks/coverings may be required to be worn by each person entering the event space to prevent the spread of all germs, as part of the “protect and detect” measures, along with separation screens and temperature screenings.

The Fastener Expo, to be held at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, has been rescheduled to 3 and 4 November 2020. The show organisers came to the decision after a long period of time working with the NEC venue staff and other associations and bodies to ensure that an environment can be developed that is both safe and conducive to doing business. The organisers have been working closely with event industry stake- holders to develop the industry-wide ‘All Secure Standards’ alongside the UK government that will allow organised gatherings take place again. The All Secure Standards are made up of four key areas to protect visitors, exhibitors and colleagues, while making events high-quality, productive experiences. Each area provides organisers with a best-

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Fasteners ASIA – September/October 2020