THURSDAY, APR IL 30, 2020 • KOKOMO TR IBUNE / PHAROS-TR IBUNE
35
GREENSHOOT MEDIA CONTENT
M
anufacturers are switching
equipment and machines to
help make masks, ventilators
and other critical supplies to help
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here is a look at some of the ways
American companies are rising to the
challenge.
AUTOMOTIVE
MANUFACTURERS
With companies shutting down their
manufacturing production while their
employees are ordered to shelter in
place, American automotive factories
are changing gears.
General Motors is rallying more
than 1,000 workers to scale the pro-
duction of ventilators at its Kokomo
automotive assembly plant.
Ford is partnering with 3M, GE
Healthcare and the United Auto
Workers to build Power Air-Purifying
Respirators (PAPRs). The company is
also assembling more than 100,000
plastic face shields per week.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is
ramping up to produce and donate
more than 1 million protective face
masks per month, the company says.
The maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Ram
and Jeep vehicles also is working with
non-profit organizations to provide
more than a million meals to school-
age children in America.
Foreign auto brands with factories
in America are helping in the effort,
too. Toyota, for example, is readying
to make masks, ventilators and other
equipment. It is also offering its
manufacturing expertise through its
System Support Center and donating
supplies to first responders.
OTHER INDUSTRIES
Hanes, a well-known manufacturer
of undergarments, has shifted its
production lines to create masks for
medical personnel.
Gap Inc., which is known for its
apparel brands including Gap, Banana
Republic and Old Navy, is marshaling
resources to help make masks, gowns
and scrubs to keep medical workers
protected.
Joann Fabrics has donated material
to be used by a sewing team at Neiman
Marcus, the upscale retailer, in
making scrubs for medical workers.
ECHOING HISTORY
For many of these companies, their
moves mirror American wartime
history.
During WWII, every major American
car manufacturer switched their pro-
duction to help with the war effort. The
same thing is happening with the war
on the coronavirus this year.
As manufacturers use their exper-
tise and machinery in new ways to
tackle this public health crisis, they are
helping America win a battle against a
viral enemy that can’t be seen.
RETOOLING THE WORK
Manufacturers changing machines and equipment to assist
Photo provided
