As more and more companies convert their businesses to help the medical professionals who risk their everyday lives to keep people safe from the virus and treat those who are already infected, the time for cooperation is at an all-time high. With that being said, Ford has now joined in and will produce over 50,000 ventilators in the next 100 days to fight COVID-19.
Read More: This Government-Approved App is the Fact Checker For All Things Related to Coronavirus
Ford's Turn To Show COVID-19 Who's Boss
As more and more cases of COVID-19 are popping up around the world, human society and norms are being broken down, and businesses are rallying their workers to do something to about bringing back the norm again. Companies around the world are tasked by the government to help in any way they can. Many of them have stepped up--among them is Ford.
Ford is committing its considerable expertise in the manufacturing trade to create 50,000 ventilators over three months or so. They have partnered with GE Healthcare at their Rawsonville, Michigan components plant. This was according to a statement they announced just this Monday.
When Will Ford Start Production?
The set a date for the production lines to start ramping up will be on April 20 and is expected to produce 30,000 units per month once everything is underway.
The ventilators that will be produced are going to be unique in a way that they will not require any electrical power to function, rather, operate on air pressure and bottle oxygen alone. Thanks to a company from Florida called Airon, which has been licensed by GE Healthcare. This should prove very timely since the world is in short supply of ventilators, and this will help in so many ways since the coronavirus attacks the respiratory system.
Jim Hackett, President, and CEO of Ford said, "The Ford and GE Healthcare teams, working creatively and tirelessly, have found a way to produce this vitally needed ventilator quickly and in meaningful numbers," and he also added, "By producing this ventilator in Michigan, in strong partnership with the UAW, we can help health care workers save lives, and that's our No. 1 priority."
The production of these simplified and unpowered ventilators will happen in line with a previously announced plan that Ford assists GE Healthcare in building ventilators of their own design. Both these programs are said to have the full support of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.
Many other companies like breweries as well have joined the fight against COVID-19, we previously covered a story as well regarding distilleries and breweries converting its alcohol into makeshift hand sanitizers that can be used for everyone. Indeed, this is a time to be as cooperative as possible to help our medical professionals around the world finally stop and cure the deadly coronavirus pandemic that has been a menace to us all.
