Ford Motor Company announced that it will begin producing air-purifying respirators at a factory in Flat Rock, Michigan. The automaker is working with 3M and hopes to build at least 100,000 respirators for healthcare workers across the country.
According to CNBC, the respirators use an air blower system similar to the one designed for the Ford F-150's ventilated seats. They are powered by a rechargeable battery and can last for up to eight hours. The respirators will also have a hood and a face shield, to give added protection to the front-line workers battling the coronavirus epidemic.
The company hopes to have them approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health by the end of April.
The respirators will be assembled by about 90 paid volunteers from the United Auto Workers union.
Ford has also used its factories to produce more than three million face shields and reusable gowns. The company is working with GE Healthcare to build ventilators.
To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
Photo: Ford Motor Company