As the medical industry reaches out for help as it responds to the coronavirus outbreak, manufacturers are stepping outside their normal industries to supply needed items.
General Motors Co. has been the highest profile company so far, with CEO Mary Barra saying in a March 20 news release that the Detroit automaker will work with Ventec Life Systems to leverage GM’s logistics, purchasing and manufacturing expertise to increase production of Ventec’s ventilators.
But across the globe, hundreds of smaller companies are also participating.
In Wisconsin, 3D printers, PET sheet manufacturers and packaging companies are joining forces to turn out face shields badly needed in the University of Wisconsin health system.
Nicole Bookhout, director of sales and marketing for rollstock maker Ex-Tech Plastics Inc. of Richmond, Ill., first heard of the shortage of face shields when she visited her…