Facing COVID-19: The cloud specialist who transformed holiday cancellation into 3D printer innovation

A tech specialist has turned COVID-19 misfortune into personal protection innovation with the support of his Yorkshire employer.

Craig Holmes, from Elland-based Vapour Cloud, used the refund from a cruise cancelled as a result of COVID-19 to buy two 3D printers.

Head of cloud Craig is using the printers to create face guard headbands and visors, to be distributed to local key workers who may be struggling to obtain PPE during the current shortage.

The Anycubic Max 4 Pro and Bibo 2 printers will be manufacturing approximately 300 units per week to support local workers throughout the crisis.

Commenting on his idea, Craig said: “I decided to try and do my bit after visiting my local village shop and talking to one of the ladies there, who was worried to still be working.

“It’s no surprise – given my job – that I love tech, so when our cruise was cancelled due to COVID-19, the printers seemed the perfect thing to spend the money on. With the help of Vapour, we’re now able to support some of the unsung heroes during all of this.”

Tim Mercer, CEO of Craig’s employer Vapour Cloud, has committed to backing Craig’s funding the materials and distribution for the venture.

CEO Tim added: “We’ve seen an overwhelming degree of generosity from the business community since the COVID-19 outbreak began, and Vapour has also been keen to find ways to give back wherever we can.

“But to see our colleagues also go out of their way to think of ways to help fight this horrific health crisis, makes us incredibly proud as an employer. It also goes to show how phenomenally impactful the clever use of tech can be, at difficult times like this.”

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