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Scaling Production in Response to the Challenges of COVID-19
With the help of: Maryland MEP
About
Located in Elkton, Maryland, Micropore is a manufacturer of reactive plastics which incorporate various powders into a molded matrix including products that are used as a CO2 absorbent powder and formed into a cartridge to create an absorbent and life supporting system. Through the use of these proprietary technologies and capabilities, Micropore is working to innovate filtration for ventilators and other medical and clinical applications in an effort to support the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Challenge
Micropore manufacturers filter cartridges and material that are used in several different ventilator technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic created a surge in demand for these filtration materials to support the Personal Protective Equipment and Critical Medical Device supply chain. To meet this challenge, Micropore identified a need to increase production capacity, add new technology and equipment to support the process and secure capital to support the short-term and long-term growth of the operation.
MD MEP quickly identified Micropore’s need to increase manufacturing capacity of CO2 absorbents for portable ventilators. In a very short period of time, they were able to support our fast moving demands. This was critical as we hired a third shift and still needed additional capacity. Through these efforts Micropore obtained a grant to purchase additional equipment which allowed us to increase throughput over 30%! A sincere thanks to the MD MEP!
MEP's Role
In response to the challenges identified, Micropore engaged MD MEP, part of the MEP National Network™, to provide programmatic and strategic support through a sub-recipient arrangement where MD MEP and Micropore would work collaboratively to increase production capacity. Through this partnership, MD MEP helped Micropore secure $100,000 in grant funding from the State of Maryland’s Manufacturing Innovation Grant. The projected resulted in the design and installation of more than $100,000 of automation equipment to increase production capacity by 33% enabling the organization to meet the critical demand for the COVID-19 response.