Trinity Biotech in Jamestown will supply material for COVID-19 test kits while finalizing development of an antibody test for the virus.

[MEDIA RELEASE]

JAMESTOWN – Just outside of Jamestown, Trinity Biotech produces plastic media transport tubes, which is a container used to store infectious disease test swabs for processing.

“We have seen a huge increase in demand to help support the COVID-19 testing,” said Dennis Lefler, operations manager for the Jamestown facility.

In order to address the rapidly increasing need for test kits, Lefler explained the facility needed to upgrade some machinery.

“We normally only have one filling line for this product as it requires an old dispensing unit that was custom built for us many years ago and the backup unit was not functioning.”

With amplified pressure to increase production of tubes, Lefler turned to his neighbor, Tim Piazza, a self-proclaimed geek and problem solver when it comes to machinery and all things manufacturing.

Lefler added, “I knew Tim had a lot of experience with this stuff, was really smart and knew a lot of people, and was perhaps someone who could help us.”

Coincidentally and unbeknownst to Lefler, Piazza works for the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST), a local resource for manufacturers that includes workforce development and advocacy. MAST is also helping local manufacturers weather the COVID-19 storm.  Piazza took a look, made some alterations, and got the unit functioning. He also put Lefler in touch with a local fabricator who was able to make some necessary parts for the machinery.

“MAST exists to assist local manufacturing. I’m thrilled we were able to help Trinity expand their capacity quickly,” said Piazza. “It may be cliché, but we can do so much more together, and you never know when help is literally just around the corner.”

Along with a national hood supplier who sent a new laminar flow hood, with Trinity Biotech was able to get a second filling line running in order to double their manufacturing capacity.

Trinity’s Jamestown facility is also close to completing the development of an ELISA test in response to COVID-19. Also known as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, ELISA detects antibodies specific to a particular antigen, in this case the novel coronavirus. The company will follow-up with a Rapid antibody test soon thereafter. While a timeframe for final approval is unknown, the tests are being expedited due to the national emergency and will be launched in all of Trinity’s major markets as soon as possible. Such a test, which is fast, has high sensitivity, and specificity is crucial to understanding and controlling the spread of COVID-19.

In reference to living and working in Chautauqua County, Lefler said, “We’re a company that has been here for more than 25 years and we are like a family. We have a stable workforce and long-term employees who easily pull together in a crisis. We take care of each other.”

Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and Chief Executive Officer of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency said, “This is just another example of a company that is pivoting to address the needs created by the COVID-19 crisis. I want to commend the Trinity Biotech Team along with Piazza from MAST for making this happen.”

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel said, “While my main priority is dealing with this health crisis, I am also very concerned for the short and long-term sustainability of our businesses. Trinity, along with a multitude of other companies, is alive and well and I commend them for doing their part to deal with this crisis while remaining economically viable.”

About Trinity Biotech

An international company based in Ireland, Trinity Biotech specializes in the development, manufacture and marketing of diagnostic test kits used to detect infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, autoimmune disorders, cardiac arrest, and hemoglobin disorders. The company also develops tests to detect, monitor and control diabetes and is a significant provider of raw materials to the life sciences industry. Trinity’s Jamestown site specializes in the production of EIA assays and instrumentation mainly for infectious disease and autoimmune applications.

About Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST)

MAST is a pro-active leader, committed to enhancing the economic strength of Chautauqua County by acting as a primary resource for information and assisting in the promotion of manufacturing excellence. The Association works with government and various organizations to define and address the economic development needs of the manufacturing community.

About CCIDA

The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, visit, and conduct business. The organization facilitates development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention for our businesses.  For more information, visit www.ccida.com.

Ronan Tynan will appear in Jamestown’s Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Thursday, March 6.

JAMESTOWN – World-renowned performer, Ronan Tynan will perform live on stage at The Reg Lenna Center For The Arts on Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m.

A classically-trained vocalist and an original member of The Irish Tenors, Tynan will sing a variety of songs, including several Irish standards that will get audiences ready for St. Patrick’s Day. Tynan will be accompanied by his longtime pianist, Billy Lewis.

Ronan Tynan’s story is one of beating the odds and defying expectations. A lower limb disability didn’t hold him back as he was an active horse rider and motorcycle enthusiast as a child.  At twenty years old, Tynan’s legs were amputated below the knee after complications from an auto accident.  Within one year he was competing in the Paralympics and eventually won 18 gold medals and still holds 9 world records.

Ronan Tynan became the first disabled person admitted to the National College Of Physical Education where he became a medical doctor specializing in orthopedic sports.  At the age of 33 he began studying voice and won the International Operatic Singing Competition.

His operatic debut was in Madame Butterfly.  In 1998, Tynan made a splash on the world stage as one of the original Irish Tenors with Anthony Kearns and John McDermott, astounding American audiences in a series of popular PBS specials.

For several years he has lived in the United States, first in New York City and now in Boston.  The “big Irishman” has a special relationship with American audiences.  “America is powerful and intense, and it begs you to take it on,” Tynan marvels.  “If you do that and do it right, it will give you absolutely everything you want.  The thing I love about America is that there are so many people who want you to do well.  They will you to do well.

A Celtic fiddle duo will perform in the lobby of The Reg prior to Tynan’s concert.  Sue Tillotson and Jim Cunningham have played together for many years, bringing a love of Celtic music and exciting instrumentation to their audiences.  Sue plays fiddle, whistle and spoons and Jim plays guitar, bouzouki, cittern, Celtic harp and bodhran.  Both are vocalists too.

An Evening With Ronan Tynan tickets are priced between $25 and $60.  Tickets may be purchased at www.reglenna.com, by phone at 716-484-7070 or in the box office at 116 East Third Street in Jamestown, New York.

This concert is made possible by support from United Arts Appeal, Trinity Biotech, Gebbie Foundation and Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation.