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Argyll tech firm in global ventilator challenge

Published: 09/04/2020

A technology firm based on the Isle of Bute is playing a key role in the supply of ventilators across the world due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Flexible Technology Limited (FTL) is expecting to produce around 100,000 printed circuit boards (PCBs) for one of the world’s leading manufacturers of actuators, which are critical in the production of ventilators.

FTL was established in 1980 and produces a range of flexible circuit, flex-rigid circuit, multilayer and printed circuit boards to various design requirements. The company has implemented strict social distancing and PPE measures at its plant in Rothesay to enable the majority of its 35 highly-skilled employees to continue working.

Orders currently stand at 65,000 units, with one unit used per ventilator, and FTL is anticipating orders for a further 35,000.

Peter Timms, chair and managing director of Flexible Technology Limited, said:

“This is an exceptional time for all of us, and our outstanding workforce are pulling out all the stops to meet increased demand for the Flexible Circuits used in the critical medical equipment. A key challenge for us in the current climate is to protect our employees and we have implemented a series of distancing and health measures to reduce risk.”

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has worked closely with FTL for several years, providing various forms of business support.

Morag Goodfellow, area manager at HIE for Argyll and the Islands, said:

“There are many examples of companies across the Highlands and Islands that are working on various aspects of tackling the COVID-19 crisis. FTL is a long-established firm and an important employer on Bute. It’s a great example of a company able to respond quickly to an urgent international need. Their expertise in this high-tech field is proving vital and we wish them every success in meeting the increased demand while protecting their employees.”

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