IfM Insights
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IfM Insights

The power of repurposing: How smaller manufacturers helped the UK withstand COVID-19’s first wave

As COVID-19 battered Britain’s economy and threatened to overwhelm the NHS, many small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms regrouped, repurposed and provided the vital materials the country needed. How did they do it, and when a new crisis arises, could they do it again?

‘In a few short months, companies adapted and repurposed their manufacturing operations in support of the NHS and the national need.’ Image: Amy Reinecke/Institute for Manufacturing

We’d like to help — but how?

Lead learners chart the course

Lessons

Lead learners chart the course. Image: Amy Reinecke/Institute for Manufacturing

Crisis and opportunity

Lessons

Supply chains are critical; so, eventually, is price

Lessons

It’s who you know

Lessons

‘UK manufacturing can survive only by providing products and services that demand high quality and certification against agreed standards, and where price is not the only determinant.’ Image: Amy Reinecke/Institute for Manufacturing

As the urgency ebbs, what of the future?

Case studies

Acknowledgements

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The Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) is part of the University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering. Our vision: manufacture a better world.

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