CLIENT SUCCESS STORY

Ford

American Automotive Giant teams up with 3M to Develop Respirators to Help Aid in COVID-19 Relief

The Client

Ford has been a staple in the American automotive manufacturing industry since the early twentieth century. With over a century’s worth of production experience—Ford is backed with the experience and infrastructural capabilities necessary to create a wide range of consumer items and products.

The Challenge

The COVID-19 pandemic began affecting people in all walks of life. As the number of cases increased, hospitals began experiencing a heightened need for respirators and other medical devices. Ford was well positioned to provide the support and resources necessary to help healthcare workers in the fight against COVID-19. AER was able to partner with Ford in the distribution of respirators and their required components.

Engineers from Ford sought to expedite production using a combination of engineering design and 3D printing tactics. The purchasing team at Ford worked closely with suppliers to procure the necessary components to begin production efforts within a three-week timeframe.

The Solution

Ford stepped up to take the lead in producing additional units as a means of safeguarding public health and wellness. Ford along with 3M worked together to utilize the company’s automotive supply chain to design and produce new PAPR equipment under a strict 40 day timeframe.

The Product Development team was able to quickly design the new PAPR using experience gathered from Ford’s prior vehicle air conditioning expertise and 3M’s medical device background. Engineers from Ford expedited production immediately using a combination of design and 3D printing tactics.

The purchasing team at Ford worked closely with suppliers to procure the necessary components along the way. As a result production efforts began within a three-week timeframe.

The PAPR unit was created using a hood and face shield design which provides protection to healthcare workers’ heads and shoulders using a HEPA filter that continually blows air for 8 hours. Powered by a rechargeable battery—it helped to provide fresh air to all first-line defenders.

Ford was able to step up and produce various components for use in the PAPRs including:

Hood tops
Filters
Fans
Power electronics
Switches
Foam seals

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The Impact

AER was a key partner with Ford throughout the production and distribution process. Pivoting away from the automobile industry towards specialized medical devices—AER was able to create a unique solution to the pandemic response receive, warehouse, and distribute specialized medical components.

AER was able to create a unique solution to the pandemic response. Through the creation and distribution of the 3M respirators—AER and Ford were able to help keep hospitals and healthcare units operating at full capacity throughout the pandemic crisis by providing the tools and capabilities necessary to effectively help and protect the health and well-being of the public at large.

Through the creation and distribution of the 3M respirators—AER and Ford were able to help keep hospitals and healthcare units operating at full capacity throughout the pandemic crisis.

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