Ford Works with 3M, GE, UAW to Speed Production of Respirators for Healthcare Workers, Ventilators for Coronavirus Patients

Ford Motor Company announced today it is joining forces with firms including 3M, GE Healthcare, and the UAW to lend manufacturing and engineering expertise to quickly expand production of urgently needed medical equipment and supplies for healthcare workers, first responders and patients fighting coronavirus.

Companies and individuals who would like to contribute to this collaborative effort can submit their ideas and information at Ford’s open innovation portal at www.fordnewideas.com. yet2 is a partner of Ford’s and manages Ford’s open innovation portal.

In a press release issued by Ford, Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman commented, “This is such a critical time for America and the world. It is a time for action and cooperation. By coming together across multiple industries, we can make a real difference for people in need and for those on the front lines of this crisis. At Ford, we feel a deep obligation to step up and contribute in times of need, just as we always have through the 117-year history of our company.”

Other key points from Ford’s press release include:

• Ford is working with 3M to manufacture at scale Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs). Ford and 3M are collaborating on the new design leveraging parts from both companies to meet urgent demand for first responders and health care workers; Ford is exploring production of the new PAPR in a Ford facility in addition to 3M production
• Ford and GE Healthcare are working together to expand production of a simplified version of GE Healthcare’s existing ventilator design to support patients with respiratory failure or difficulty breathing
• Ford, in cooperation with the UAW, will assemble more than 100,000 critically needed plastic face shields per week at a Ford manufacturing site to help medical professionals, factory workers and store clerks; Ford also will leverage its in-house 3D printing capability to produce disposable respirators for healthcare workers.

At yet2 we foster collaboration. But it is rare to see large companies like Ford, 3M, and GE to partner, along with an organization like the UAW, for such a large and immediate effort as this one. We encourage those with ideas to submit them to Ford.

Read the full press release from Ford.

Ford COVID-19 Medical Equipment Production