Combating the coronavirus: Fashion designers, automakers and other companies make masks and medical supplies – Yahoo Money

In the wake of the global novel coronavirus pandemic, common medical supplies like ventilators, medical masks, hospital gowns and hand sanitizer have become scarce — and manufacturers of such supplies cannot keep up. 

So this past week, vacuum, car, fashion and cosmetics manufacturers have turned to making ventilators, medical masks, hospital gowns and hand sanitizer to help with COVID-19 relief and treatment efforts. 

Here is an up-to-date list of major manufactures that are re-directing their resources to COVID-19 relief measures.

Ventilator production

Ventilators, which move air in and out of the lungs, are needed for critical COVID-19 patients, while protective gear aims to slow the spread of the virus. The following companies will or have offered to manufacture ventilators. 

Exor and related companies

Exor, the Amsterdam-based owner of Ferrari and Fiat Chrysler, is in talks to assist Bologna-based Siare Engineering, as they ramp up ventilator production from 160 units to 500 a month. 

In addition to manufacturing operations, car manufacturers have access to plastic, metal, and electronic supplies. Ferrari, the Italy-based luxury car maker, has sent specialized personnel to assist Siare, but they are also planning to manufacture ventilator parts in-house at its Maranello headquarters. They will be joined by Fiat Chrysler, according to reports. 

Italian car parts maker Magneti Marelli, previously owned by Exor, makes car parts for Volkswagen, PSA and Fiat Chrysler. It suspended production at most European plants from March 13 to March 27 due to COVID-19, but it may reopen plants sooner since they are also in talks with Siare to assist with ventilator production. 

“We’re talking to Fiat Chrysler, Ferrari and Marelli to try to understand if they can lend us a hand in this process for the electronics part,” Gianluca Preziosa, Siare’s chief executive, told Reuters. 

Ford and General Motors

In the U.S., President Donald Trump announced that the Defense Production Act, which authorizes him to legally mandate the production of goods from private and public companies, is now “in gear” as of March 20. But car makers have already been at work, looking for a solution. 

Michigan-based car makers General Motors and Ford have been in touch with the White House about producing medical equipment, including ventilators. This comes after General Motors and Ford shut down all North American factories from March 19 until at least March 31.

“As America’s largest producer of vehicles and top employer of autoworkers, Ford stands ready to help the administration in any way we can, including the possibility of producing ventilators and other equipment… We have had preliminary discussions with the US government and are looking into the feasibility,” Ford said in a statement Wednesday night. 

Tesla

Elon Musk tweeted on March 18 that Tesla would make ventilators “if there is a shortage.” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio responded by saying New York had a shortage, to which Musk said they would engage in talks.  

Honda, Jaguar, Rolls Royce

The UK government has approached over 60 manufacturers with a “basic, functional” blueprint for ventilators. Among manufacturers called to action, Honda, Rolls Royce and Dyson top the list, according to reports.

UK government officials asked Honda whether it would use its Swindon plant to manufacture ventilators. Rolls Royce, the London-based engine manufacturer, has promised to produce health equipment, including ventilators. This comes as the company suspends operations at its Goodwood, UK manufacturing plant from March 19 to April 2.

The UK needs 20,000 ventilators “at speed,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Matt Hancock, the UK’s secretary of state for health and social care, put out a public call for manufacturing assistance on Twitter on March 16. 

Dyson

Dyson, the UK-based vacuum and hand-dryer maker, has also been approached about making ventilators by the UK government. 

Respirator valves and other parts

A number of 3D-printing companies, alongside private 3D printer enthusiasts, have begun production of oxygen valves for use with ventilators.

Notably, direct to consumer tele-dentistry company SmileDirectClub will use its 3D printers to produce respirator valves, as well as medical masks. Airbus, an aircraft manufacturer, is also planning to 3D print ventilator parts.