Case Study - Meththa Foundation

We always enjoy hearing how Warco machines are out there in industry, helping people to create solutions for their customers and add financial value to the business. But nothing could be more rewarding than being a part of something that is truly changing the lives of thousands of disadvantaged people. One such example is that of Warco machines being put to use by the Meththa Foundation – a charity that provides prosthetics (artificial limbs), orthotics and rehabilitative equipment to disadvantaged disabled people in Sri Lanka.

Founded in 1994 by a small group of expat Sri Lankan medical professional in the UK, it began by using prosthetics and equipment that was discarded by the NHS and deemed no longer fit for purpose. The Meththa Foundation quickly found a way to safely adapt what would have otherwise gone into landfill – this included adapting discarded NHS prosthetics to allow Sri Lankan amputees to walk again.

Over time, the charity has expanded to benefit more people all over Sri Lanka, but for a variety of reasons, the availability of discarded equipment has dwindled to the point where the charity has had to become more independent and self-sufficient when it comes to these vital, life-changing components. In order to do that, they invested in their own research & development strategies, and production methods.

Dr Panagamuwa, founder of the Meththa Foundation said, ‘Initially I used a Colchester machine in my garage. Having developed prototypes for the components we needed using casted aluminium, we then needed to find the right lathe and mill to ship out to Sri Lanka that were as good as the Colchester but not as expensive. My research brought me to Warco, and more specifically, the GH1230 Lathe’ (similar to the D330 Pro or GH1322 Lathe) ‘and Super Major Milling Machine which operate to a 0.1mm accuracy. Warco were so helpful in arranging shipping to Sri Lanka, along with the VAT rebate. We now have a team of local [Sri Lankan] technicians who can produce the components we need to help hundreds of patients each year, including children. We have also begun supplying the private sector in Sri Lanka, as we are more competitive than component suppliers who ship from the UK and Germany. We are so grateful to Warco, who continue to support us with aftersales advice and spare parts when required.’