Tackling the threat of the Zika virus was on the agenda recently, when Arrow Solutions hosted one of the Port Health Special Interest Group’s quarterly meetings.
More than 20 members visited the company’s manufacturing facility in the East Midlands to discuss how they can help prevent the spread of the Zika virus at ports and airports in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
They were given an update by Public Health England’s Alex Vaux on the results of a new mosquito surveillance project being undertaken by many of the UK’s sea and airports, while Arrow’s technical manager walked them through the current requirements regarding aircraft disinsection and the various application methods and products available.
There was also the opportunity for SIG members to network, discuss ongoing CPD opportunities and take a guided tour of the firm’s advanced manufacturing plant.
Secretary of the Port Health Special Interest Group (SIG), David Jones explained: “The Zika virus really came to prominence in 2016 and we have been carefully monitoring how the virus is developing and what risks it poses to the UK.
“We wanted to tackle the subject in depth and were approached by Arrow Solutions to host our meeting at their facility. This seemed ideal as the company is one of only a small number of aircraft disinsectant manufacturers in the world.”
He continued: “It was a really good session with our members gaining lots of useful information and forging new relationships that could be helpful to them in their daily jobs, keeping our seas and airports safe.”
Arrow Solutions is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of cleaning and maintenance products, supplying clients across a range of industries, including aerospace; rail; engineering; energy, and marine.
The firm, which is headquartered in Leicestershire, has seen demand for its aircraft disinsectant grow considerably, as more airlines attempt to combat the threat of Zika being transferred from country to country.
Chemists at the business are also working to develop new variants to counter recent changes in legislation surrounding the control of this type of product.
Technical manager at Arrow Solutions, Neil Hembury commented: “Our aircraft disinsectant has proved a very effective way of treating commercial and military aircraft, and we have significant resources in place to offer training on how to use the product and educating industry on suitable applications.”
He concluded: “The SIG meeting was a great chance for us to also learn from the Port Health members and the challenges they face.”
Export Excellence Awards 2017
15 June
UK manufacturing represents a vital 53% of exports – clearly, the world wants we make! However, post-Brexit, with potentially no EU single-market on our doorstep, British exporters will have to travel the world to find new markets and new customers. The pressure is on, but huge rewards await those exporting manufacturers who put themselves at the head of the race and work like mad to stay there.
To support this vital strand to our economy, The Manufacturer, in tandem with Global Trade Review (GTR), each year host the Export Excellence Awards. Nominations are now open, but close on 24 March, so it is vital you get cracking with your entry.
Further details can be found at – exportexcellenceawards.co.uk
