Staff Report, Automotive News Canada
March 24, 2020
General Motors Canada is collecting and donating personal protective equipment to help Canada’s front line health-care workers in the fight against the global novel coronavirus pandemic.
The automaker said late Tuesday that it is asking its suppliers and dealers to donate medical-grade N95 face masks, safety glasses and goggles, gowns and coveralls, gloves and hand sanitizer.
GM Canada is collecting the donated equipment at its Woodstock Parts Distribution Centre and its Oshawa OEM Stamped Products and Services operation, both in Ontario.
General Motors Canada is the latest automaker to join the fight.
Its parent company in Detroit last week said it would partner with medical device company Ventec Life Systems to increase production of ventilators.
Monday, FCA said it would manufacturer masks in the Asian market for distribution in the United States and Canada, where there is currently a shortage of personal protective equipment.
Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co., plans to build respirators, ventilators and face shields in partnership with its UAW work force, manufacturing company 3M and GE Healthcare to aid medical workers as the coronavirus pandemic threatens to overwhelm their supply.
Volkswagen Group said on Friday it was also joining other manufacturers around the world to explore using 3D printing to make hospital ventilators to combat the coronavirus.
Tuesday, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association asked its members to donate one million masks to the fight in Canada.
