Ford and GE Join Forces to Produce Ventilators

50,000 Units Scheduled for Production Over 100 Days Starting Next Month

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] American automobile manufacturer Ford announced on the 30th (local time) that it will begin producing ventilators in collaboration with General Electric (GE). This move is to respond to the surge in demand caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to major foreign media, Ford stated that it plans to produce 50,000 ventilators over the next 100 days. It also added that, if necessary, it intends to produce 30,000 ventilators per month.

Ford will start producing ventilators at its plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, beginning the fourth week of April, which includes April 20. To this end, it plans to deploy about 500 employees.

Regarding this, Ford explained that the ventilators are a simplified design licensed by GE Healthcare from Aeron, located in Florida.

Meanwhile, earlier, American automaker General Motors (GM) began producing ventilators following the activation of the Defense Production Act by U.S. President Donald Trump on the 27th.