Ford Motor Co. announced Tuesday it will team up with 3M and GE Healthcare to produce medical equipment and supplies for health care workers, first responders and patients fighting coronavirus.
Using Ford’s manufacturing sites, the companies will produce respirators, ventilators and plastic face shields, the company announced.
“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,” said Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman. “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.”
In conjunction with the United Auto Workers, the companies will assemble more than 100,000 plastic face shields per week.
Ford said it would work with 3M to manufacture a new type of Powered Air-Purifying Respirator for health care workers. The PAPR, a clear mask that fits over a worker’s face, will be produced using off-the-shelf parts like fans from the Ford F-150’s cooled seats for airflow.
“Working with 3M and GE, we have empowered our teams of engineers and designers to be scrappy and creative to quickly help scale up production of this vital equipment,” said Jim Hackett, Ford’s president and CEO. “We’ve been in regular dialogue with federal, state and local officials to understand the areas of greatest needs. We are focusing our efforts to help increase the supply of respirators, face shields and ventilators that can help assist health care workers, first responders, critical workers as well as those who have been infected by the virus.”
