Similar to many of its clients, the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University has pivoted in response to the Covid-19 pandemic by mobilizing a new Medical Manufacturing Initiative that will improve and enhance medical supply chains for West Virginia.
“The Covid-19 Pandemic exposed weaknesses in the national medical supply system,” said Marshall University President Jerome Gilbert. “I thank Governor Justice for directing CARES Act funding to make this new initiative a reality. The Governor’s leadership and vision will help facilitate the production of medical supplies in West Virginia now and far into the future.”
New medical manufacturing equipment, capable of intricate precision and just-in-time production, is being deployed at RCBI’s Charleston and Huntington Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers.
“I’ve always been very proud of the goodness that the Robert C. Byrd Institute brings to Marshall University and all of West Virginia, but their efforts are especially critical now. They are an important piece of our state’s response to this dreaded pandemic,” West Virginia Governor Jim Justice said. “Through their new Medical Manufacturing Initiative, what they’re really building for West Virginia is a safety net that will ensure our medical supply chains will continue to flow smoothly in the future, no matter what comes our way. I’m happy to work alongside them for this worthwhile project.”-
“Having this equipment at RCBI makes it locally and affordably available so companies can create domestic supply chain connections with improved reliability right here in West Virginia,” said Charlotte Weber, RCBI director and CEO. “We want to thank Governor Justice for his confidence and faith in the ability of RCBI and Marshall University.”
Through the Medical Manufacturing Initiative, RCBI will continue to work with the state’s medical schools, health care facilities, the West Virginia National Guard, health care entrepreneurs and private industry to continue to solve manufacturing challenges during this unprecedented time while expanding the state’s medical manufacturing capabilities.
