About this episode
The episode explores the craftsmanship behind surgical clamps made by Platts & Nisbett and the importance of hand-made medical instruments.
When the world’s best surgeons spread a rib cage or clamp a blood vessel, they rely on instruments hammered and filed by skilled hands in a Sheffield workshop. On this week’s The Factory Next Door we head to Platts & Nisbett, manufacturers of surgical instruments for almost half-a-century. Number 47 on our list of the greatest things we make here is The Surgical Clamp. Alyson Nisbett gives us a factory tour as we learn why machines can’t make these instruments, we consider the responsibility that comes with hand-crafting life-saving equipment, and we ponder where a five-inch nail goes in the body. Say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor The Factory Next Door is supported by AVEVA, a leader in industrial intelligence. Sign up to their bi-weekly newsletter about manufacturing here: www.aveva.com/factory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Host: Steve Duke
Guest: Alyson Nisbett
Topics covered
- surgical instruments
- manufacturing
- hand-crafting
- medical equipment
- responsibility
Keywords
- surgical clamp
- manufacturing
- hand-crafted
- medical instruments
- Platts & Nisbett
Sponsors
AVEVA
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Platts & Nisbett
More episodes of The Factory Next Door
- Most replayed moments. The greatest business strategy · May 29, 2026 · 16 min
- Most replayed moments. Why I bought a British factory · May 22, 2026 · 16 min
- Most replayed moments. Stories from our makers that made me cry · May 15, 2026 · 15 min
- 50. The Knitted Polo Shirt · April 21, 2026 · 36 min
- 49. The Folding Bicycle · April 7, 2026 · 39 min
- Bonus Ep. Northampton. How to grow our shoe industry · March 17, 2026 · 56 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Factory Next Door podcast page.