Ford and GE Healthcare Announce Production
Ford Motor Company, in collaboration with GE Healthcare, has announced its plan to start producing ventilators in Michigan. The goal is to manufacture 50,000 units within the next 100 days, with a production capacity of 30,000 units per month if needed.
Collaboration Between Ford and GE Healthcare
Ford will leverage its manufacturing capabilities to expedite production, while GE Healthcare will provide its medical expertise and license the design of the ventilator from Airon Corp, a private company specializing in high-tech life-support respiratory products. GE Healthcare brought Ford's attention to the significance of Airon's design as both companies work to produce ventilators at an accelerated pace to assist healthcare providers in treating COVID-19 patients.
Features of the Ventilator
The GE/Airon Model A-E ventilator is designed to operate using air pressure without requiring an electrical power source, making it suitable for most COVID-19 patients. This design can be scaled up to meet the increasing demand for ventilators in the United States.
Statements from Officials
On this occasion, Jim Hackett, President and CEO of Ford, stated, "Through innovative work and continuous efforts, the skilled teams at Ford and GE Healthcare have found a way to produce ventilators in appropriate quantities. By manufacturing these devices here in Michigan and in collaboration with the United Auto Workers, we can help healthcare workers save lives, which is our top priority."
Peter Navarro, the White House's Defense Production Act Coordinator, added, "The Ford and GE Healthcare teams are working within the timeline set by President Trump to accelerate the production of ventilators for frontline defense in the war declared by the Trump administration against the coronavirus."
Production Stages
Initially, Ford will send a team to work alongside Airon to enhance productivity in Florida, starting production at the Ford Rosneville plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on April 20. The company aims to reach full production capacity to meet growing demand.
- Expected to produce 1,500 ventilators by the end of April.
- Expected to produce 12,000 ventilators by the end of May.
- Expected to produce 50,000 ventilators by July 4.
Work at the Factory
The Ford Rosneville factory will operate nearly around the clock to produce ventilators. About 500 paid volunteer employees from the United Auto Workers will work in three shifts. Currently, Airon produces three ventilators daily of the pNeuton Model A in Melbourne, Florida. Once the factory reaches its full production capacity, Ford plans to manufacture 7,200 licensed Model A-E ventilators weekly.
Ongoing Collaboration
It is noteworthy that the licensed Model A-E ventilator represents the second collaboration between Ford and GE Healthcare for ventilator production. Last week, the two companies announced a separate plan to produce a simplified and new design for ventilators from GE Healthcare.
Kieran Murphy, President and CEO of GE Healthcare, remarked, "We commend Ford's efforts to harness its manufacturing capabilities to produce the licensed Model A-E ventilators for Airon, which will play a vital role in combating the coronavirus."
Effectiveness of the Device Against COVID-19
GE Healthcare and Ford consulted healthcare experts to determine the effectiveness of the licensed Model A-E ventilators for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The design is expected to meet the needs of the majority of patients experiencing respiratory failure or difficulty breathing.
In collaboration with supporting companies, Ford will provide additional updates on these devices as the projects progress.
