Fife firm joins Covid-19 fight

A Fife-based space technology company has restructured its manufacturing division and reallocated personnel as it pivots to support the fight against Covid-19.

Skyrora, which has been developing a launch vehicle for small satellites, successfully tested its new rocket engines in Fife in January.

The company employs 3D printing in the production of its rocket engines, which are powered by Ecosene, a fuel developed from plastic waste that would have been destined for landfill.

However, it has now refocused all its UK operations and ploughed its working capital and human resources into tackling Covid-19.

The company has completed the first batch of hand gel according to World Health Organization standards and guidelines and is scaling up the production with the aim of producing more than 10,000 250ml bottles of hand sanitiser per week.

Skyrora is also carrying out initial tests on its 3D-printed face visors and is in discussion with the Scottish Government to assess where the PPE equipment for health workers would have the best impact.

Skyrora CEO Volodymyr Levykin said: “This pandemic of Covid-19 has created a very strenuous and lifethreatening situation for many people in this country and across the world. Skyrora are determined to do everything we can to keep everyone safe.

“It is at a time like this that a business like ours should step up and carry out a civic duty, setting aside the normal commercial activity and standing side by side with the Scottish government, the NHS and the UK Government for the greater good of our country.

“We all must answer to the government and NHS for support and Skyrora is in a fortunate enough position to do so. We are confident that we will get through this stronger.”

The firm employs more than 20 staff at its Edinburgh HQ.

The first batch of hand gel ready to be deployed by Skyrora.