Ford, Tesla, and GM’s Efforts to Aid Ventilator and Mask Supply

As we continue to move through these unprecedented times during the COVID-19 pandemic, more United States manufacturers are stepping up to aid in the supply shortage of ventilators and masks that are desperately needed by medical professionals and other affected sectors. Leading into June, car manufacturer Ford has joined companies such as 3M and General Electric to aid the medical community in this initiative.

Currently, Ford is not the only carmaker to contribute to the pandemic efforts, as similar decisions have also recently been made by companies such as Tesla and General Motors. Medical equipment such as medical masks and ventilators are a crucial need to treat an increasing number of symptomatic carriers, and shortages have proven to be a major issue currently. With the help of Ford, 3M’s output of powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) masks is to be expanded. With an increase in production, state governments and other sectors may see more supply of needed medical equipment.

Together with 3M, Ford hopes to increase the manufacturing and supply of PAPR masks as quickly as possible, and they seek to utilize established technologies and products from their respective companies to aid in the effort. Ford also claims to be working alongside the health care division of GE in order to create a more simplistic ventilator. Without furthering information, Ford claimed that ventilators could be produced at both Ford and GE locations concurrently. As droplets from a person’s coughing or sneezing may lead to infection with the novel coronavirus, Ford also seeks to begin testing and production of new face shields that may further protect the medical professionals who are in close proximity with affected patients and individuals.

Other car manufacturers, such as General Motors and Tesla, have also been making strides in the production and supply effort with their respective initiatives. Recently, GM announced that they are partnering with Ventec Life Systems, a manufacturer of ventilators, to increase their logistics, manufacturing, and issues to improve output. Tesla has also been aiding in supply, providing ventilators to the state of California in March. For the University of Washington’s Medical Center, Tesla sent around 50,000 3M produced N95 surgical masks.

While companies such as Ford, General Motors, and Tesla have recently joined the fight against the pandemic, they are not alone in their efforts. Through the past months and moving into the future, we are seeing a great increase in United States companies working to fortify the strained medical infrastructure and medical care system. From boosting the supply chain for sourcing supplies and hastening production of highly needed medical materials, many American companies are spearheading manufacturing initiatives to combat COVID-19. As we continue to protect people and various sectors from the devastating effect of the virus, we may see even more companies step in to provide support.

Ensuring that you have the medical equipment that you need for protecting yourself, employees, and others is very important during these unprecedented times. When you are ready to begin sourcing medical equipment and related medical supplies that you need for your operations, Aerospace Unlimited has you covered with everything you are searching for. Aerospace Unlimited is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find the aviation, NSN, and electronic parts that you are searching for, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we're always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. ASAP Semiconductor is an FAA AC 00-56B accredited and ISO 9001:2015 certified enterprise. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aerospaceunlimited.com or call us at +1-412-212-0606.

1. steven helmer
2. Posted on June 1, 2020
aviation