FCA to Make Masks for Health Workers

Following reports that automakers in the United States are offering their services to aid the government in its fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced it will be working to produce masks for health care workers.

According to an email sent to employees by CEO Mike Manley, FCA will be using one of its Chinese facilities to produce much-needed masks, which will be donated to those who are working in health facilities.

Masks are among the most important equipment for health care workers battling the virus, but supplies are dwindling in hospitals across the country.

The Detroit News was the first to report on Manley’s email, which was later confirmed by a representative of the company to online publication Roadshow.

“The fastest way to get relief to U.S. first responders and health care workers was to use one of our operational plants,” FCA said in a statement. “So, we are quickly converting one of our China plants until the U.S. plants are back up and running.”

FCA, however, has not shared details as to when the masks can be expected to be delivered to the health care workers.

Aside from FCA, other car manufacturers in the U.S. are also stepping up to the plate. General Motors announced it will work with Ventec to produce ventilators, which are also essential in treating patients with the COVID-19 illness.

GM did not mention anything about retooling any of its assembly plants to build the machines but said it will lend logistics, purchasing, and manufacturing expertise to its partner company.

On the other hand, Ford is also looking at options to support ventilator production for both the U.S. and the U.K.

Tesla, too, is reportedly working on ventilator production with Medtronic and was said to have N95 masks ready for donation, with another 1,000 ventilators expected to arrive in the coming days.