American Manufacturers Fear Ventilators Will be Made in China

In a survey, none of the Michigan-based manufacturers — who currently supply tools and components to Ford, GM, and Chrysler — said they have been asked to supply ventilator parts by GE Healthcare, Allied Healthcare, Medtronics, or Philips. Likewise, only a couple have been approached about supplying ventilator parts by Ford or GM.

A majority of the manufacturers who responded to the survey said they have the capability of manufacturing ventilator parts. Padula told Breitbart News his members are also able to help produce masks and circuit boards but he is not aware of any confirmed contracts for them to do so.

One medical device contract manufacturer said they have not been approached by any of the leading ventilator corporations, Ford, or GM to help supply parts for ventilators.

Instead, industry insiders say corporations are still outsourcing to China, as well as India.

“They’re still trying to go out to China to make this stuff,” an industry insider told Breitbart News. “Even now, American manufacturers are a last resort.”

“They’re taking this stuff to China or Turkey or wherever is cheapest and making expensive, time-consuming ventilators,” they said.

The manufacturers point to a design released by MIT researchers that they say is viable, a ventilator for just $100. Padula said his members need contracts and purchase orders from either the federal government or corporations to even begin producing these components to build the ventilators.

“All the components of the MIT design can be made by [American manufacturers],” Padula said. “To see it sourced out of China would be heartbreaking.”

Story cited here.

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