During World War II, companies converted their factories to support the war effort. Maytag, for instance, halted production of washing machines to instead manufacture aircraft parts.
As our team watches the impacts of COVID-19 worldwide, we’re encouraged to see the innovative ways manufacturers and industry experts are using their skills and resources to help out others.
Here are a few of our favorite stories.
1,700+ 3D Printing Specialists Around the World Offer to Print Hospital Supplies
Across the globe, printing specialists are willing to donate their 3D printing expertise as well as equipment to create critical hospital supplies. So far, more than 1,700 people have offered their services through the still-growing Google document “3D Printer Crowdsourcing for COVID-19.” Listing their experience level, the type of printer they have, and their email addresses, these design engineers are able to help 3D print masks, respirators, valves, and more for hospitals around the world.
Scientists Retool TB Test into 3D-Printed Coronavirus Facemasks
Scientists at the University of Leicester, in the UK, had been developing a low-cost facemask to test for tuberculosis (TB). Now they’re retooling their efforts to develop a 3D-printed facemask that can quickly test large quantities of people for the Coronavirus. The duck-billed product is adapted using 3D-printed strips that collect the microbes someone breathes out while wearing it for a half-hour. Because it can test large groups before symptoms even appear, it has the potential to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Drone Startup Delivers Medication to Hospitals
The world’s number one industrial drone solution provider, Terra Drone, normally provides its services to such fields as mining, oil and gas, and construction. To combat the coronavirus, the Japanese startup is working through its group company Antwork’s branch company Aerodeli to deploy drones to hospitals.
The RA3 and tr7s drones, as well as unmanned RH1 station, are transporting quarantine supplies and medical samples between Xinchang County People’s Hospital and its disease control center in China. In addition to accelerating the speed of delivery, the drones diminish the contact between staff and samples, thereby curtailing the spread of the virus.
U.S. Distilleries Make Craft Hand Sanitizer
As it’s getting difficult to even find the ingredients to make a DIY sanitizer let alone purchase Purell at the stores, American distilleries are using their alcohol for the greater good and crafting their own hand sanitizer. More than 600 people showed up with empty bottles at Atlanta’s Old Fourth Distillery to get their free hand sanitizer. Meanwhile, over in Portland, Oregon, Shine Distillery & Grill is also giving away free “hand cleaner,” and is paying it forward by giving its recipe to other distilleries so that they can do the same.
Luxury Perfume Factory Manufactures Hand Sanitizer for Health Authorities
French luxury company LVMH, home to Christian Dior and Givenchy, has converted its perfume and cosmetic production facilities to produce hand sanitizer. As the product is scarce and much needed during the Coronavirus outbreak, they will be providing it to the French health authorities and the 39 teaching hospitals collectively known as Assistance Publique-Hospitaux de Paris.
GM Switches Lanes to Make Facemasks
General Motors’ joint venture with SAIC, SAIC-GM-Wuling, was the first in the automobile sector to develop machines to combat the coronavirus by creating facemasks. The virus had surfaced in January, and by mid-February, SAIC-GM-Wuling engineers had built the first machine for the medical-safety operation. There is a shortage of machines that make these types of masks so the automobile manufacturer is stepping in to create 15 automated production lines to help solve the crisis.
Downing Street Calls on Rolls Royce to Make Ventilators
Downing Street said: "Preparing for the spread of the coronavirus outbreak is a national priority and we’re calling on the manufacturing industry and all those with relevant expertise who might be able to help to come together to help the country tackle this national crisis.” In particular, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is requesting the production of ventilators, which are sorely needed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lord Bamford, chairman of the construction equipment firm JCB, warned that it may not be easy to quickly transition their production lines. However, he has research and engineering teams determining possibilities and responded that they “will do whatever we can to help during the unprecedented times our country is facing.” Likewise, a spokesperson for Rolls Royce said: “As they shape their plans, we are keen to do whatever we can to help the Government and the country at this time and will look to provide any practical help we can.”
iPhone-maker Shifts to Making Surgical Masks
Apple iPhones are assembled in China by Foxconn. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus there, though, the factory had to shut down operations, as did many factories. Now that they’re slowly revving up, they’re switching gears, at least for a while. The electronics giant is currently pushing out surgical masks. With these surgical masks in high demand, their goal is to be able to produce two million masks a day. They say, it “is not just Foxconn’s biggest corporate responsibility, but also our social responsibility.”
Additional reporting by Lindsay Gilder and Mikaela Tierney.
