PSA, Valeo help France ramp up ventilator production

PARIS — PSA Group and Valeo are contributing volunteer workers, factory space and technical expertise to help France ramp up domestic production of ventilators to help coronavirus victims.

The effort, which will be led by ventilator maker Air Liquide Medical Systems, seeks to produce 10,000 units by the middle of May.

PSA said it would build mechanical components of the ventilators in its factory in Poissy, west of Paris. Final assembly of the units will be in Air Liquide’s nearby factory in Antony.

About 100 volunteers will be involved in the effort, comprising 50 at the Poissy factory and 50 at the automaker's technology center in Velizy.

Valeo will contribute to the effort by placing some of the company’s buyers in charge of supplier management and the procurement process. It will provide R&D support, and expertise in plastics and mechanical and electronic technologies. Valeo  production engineers will help set up processes and training. 

The other main industrial partner in the French effort will be Schneider Electric. About 100 other companies have been enlisted to provide parts and technical support.

Other carmakers and suppliers in China, Europe and the US have announced plans to build medical equipment and face masks. Among them are BYD, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, GM, McLaren, Tesla and Volkswagen.

Lamborghini said Tuesday that it would start making face shields and face masks at its plant in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy.

Masks shortage

President Emmanuel Macron had asked companies last week to study the possibility of quickly increasing production of ventilators.

Source: https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/psa-valeo-help-france-ramp-ventilator-production