Both Ford and Fiat Chrysler have stepped in to help healthcare workers, first responders, and Coronavirus patients by producing respirators, respirators, and face masks.
Ford Motor Company has joined forces with 3M and GE Healthcare to increase manufacturing and engineering expertise to expand production of medical equipment and supplies. Ford plans to regularly deliver more than 100,000 visors per week in this context. Ford is also working with 3M to increase the production capacity of required ventilator (PAPR) designs for intube patients, and they are developing a new design to meet increased demand from first responders and healthcare workers.
“Working with 3M and GE, we empowered our teams of engineers and designers to be fierce and creative to help rapidly scale up production of this vital equipment,” said Jim Hackett, Ford’s president and CEO. “We are in regular dialogue with federal, state and local authorities to understand the areas where it is most needed. We are intensifying our efforts to help increase the supply of ventilators, face shields and respirators that can assist healthcare workers, first responders, critical workers, as well as those who are infected.”
“We’re exploring all available opportunities to further expand 3M’s capacity and get healthcare supplies where they’re needed most as quickly as possible – this includes partnering with other major companies like Ford,” said Mike Roman, 3M Chairman of the Board. “It is critical that we mobilize all resources to protect lives and defeat this disease, and I am incredibly grateful to Ford and his staff for this partnership.”
Ford and GE Healthcare are also working together to expand production of a simplified version of GE Healthcare’s current ventilator design for patients suffering from respiratory failure or breathing difficulties caused by COVID-19.
On the other hand, Fiat Chrysler stated that it will produce and donate more than 1 million protective face masks per month.
“Production capacity will be established this week and the company will begin deliveries of face masks in the coming weeks, with initial distribution in the United States, Canada and Mexico,” Fiat Chrysler said in a publication.
Face masks will be donated by the FCA to police, emergency services, firefighters, and those working in hospitals and health clinics.
“Protecting our first responders and paramedics has never been more important. “In addition to our support to increase ventilator production, we reviewed our contacts in the healthcare industry and it was clear that there is an urgent and critical need for face masks,” said Mike Manley, FCA CEO. “We’ve pooled FCA Group’s resources to immediately focus on building the manufacturing capacity to make masks and supporting those who need it most at the forefront of this pandemic.”