GM is working with Ventec Life Systems to help increase fan production

General Motors is working with Ventec Life Systems to produce fans needed in hospitals dealing with patients with the new coronavirus, the companies announced on Friday. In the most severe cases of COVID-19 infection, patients need the help of ventilators to breathe, and there are widespread concerns that the US does not have enough fans to meet the upcoming demand.

Based in Seattle, Ventec is one of the few fan manufacturers in the US, according to NBC News, and has already increased production. Chris Kiple, CEO of Ventec, says the company aims to produce 1,000 machines per month over the next 90 days (versus the usual 150 per month), and ultimately to produce 2,000 fans per month.

Ventec will rely on GM production, logistics and procurement to help build more fans faster. GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra said in a statement that GM “continues to explore ways to help in this time of crisis.”

Other car manufacturers including Ford and Volkswagen too have reportedly contacted the White House to find out how they can help produce fans. Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that Tesla and SpaceX employees were “working on fans” and despite a tweet from Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio that the machines were absolutely necessary, Musk gave no further details about when or where his companies would produce the machines.