GM-Ventec produced ventilators ready for delivery

KUALA LUMPUR: It was only last month that US President Donald Trump ordered GM (General Motors) on Twitter to produce ventilators. At that time, the company was already coordinating with Ventec Life Systems to manufacture ventilators at its Indiana factory. Now, less than a month later, GM has announced the compilation of the first batch of Ventec Life Systems V+pRO ventilators and said the units are ready to be delivered.

Mary Barra, CEO & Chairman of GM, said, “Thousands of men and women at GM, Ventec, our suppliers and the Kokomo community have rallied to support their neighbours and the medical professionals on the front lines of this pandemic. Everyone wants to help turn the tide and save lives. It is inspiring and humbling to see the passion and commitment people have put into this work.”

According to GM, it has produced more than 600 ventilators that will be shipped across the United States later this month. The automaker was able to achieve this by sourcing hundreds of parts from suppliers across the country. It also designed a new manufacturing process and transformed its Kokomo factory.

Ventec Life Systems CEO, Chris Kiple said, “Until there is a vaccine, critical care ventilators give medical professionals the tools they need to fight this pandemic and save lives. This partnership is a historic effort and a great reminder of what can be accomplished with the power of American innovation and American manufacturing skill uniting together around a singular mission to save lives.”

Also, last April 8, GM was awarded a contract to manufacture 30,000 units of the Ventec V+Pro critical care ventilators by the US Department of Health and Human Services. GM expects half of the orders to be completed by June end, with all units manufactured by August end. The automaker further said that it would continue to make ventilators after August if needed.

Also Read: Toyota to secure nearly 20,000 ventilators for Japan