May 2020: In an attempt to meet the unprecedented demand of ventilators in the face of COVID-19 pandemic, Vyaire Medical and Spirit AeroSystems have come together in a temporary partnership to increase ventilator production.
Spirit AeroSystems expertise in industrializing, production, well-trained and experienced workforce of assembly mechanics, machinists, factory managers and supply chain professionals along with Vyaire’s largest healthcare facility will help to quickly cover-up the ventilator demand and supply. It is anticipated that about 700 employees from Vyaire and 300 from Spirit will work in collaboration in Kansas and California as a part of this deal.
Looking at this situation as an opportunity to help people Vyaire CEO Gaurav Agarwal said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has upended our way of life, but this is our opportunity to meet the needs of the American people. Spirit's breadth of technical capability, manufacturing prowess and skilled workforce make them ideally suited to support us in scaling our operations to meet this unprecedented demand.” He further went on to welcome the Spirit employees for joining hands with them in this noble cause."
Spirit AeroSystems, one of the world's largest non-OEM designers and manufacturers of aero structures for commercial and defence aircraft has converted their facility in Wichita, Kan to manufacture and supply critical care ventilators. Currently the design of the production system is underway. Teams of experts are getting the facility ready with production materials, critical equipment and building infrastructure to stand up manufacturing lines. Special staff of about 70 Spirit employees is being trained to assign to this special project.
Mirroring Mr. Agarwal’s thoughts Tom Gentile, President and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems said, “This collaboration is an opportunity for Spirit to help at a time when our nation needs it most. We are honoured to bring our industrial capabilities and skilled workforce to help Vyaire scale up quickly to produce much-needed ventilators during this pandemic.”
This partnership furthers earlier action taken by Vyaire to accelerate production of ventilators and other related respiratory equipment at its primary production facilities based in North America.
Vyaire has provided the US Strategic National Stockpile with 22,000 of its LTV2 2200 ventilators. They are also working with various hospitals and health system clients to ensure a speedier delivery of ventilators to patients of greatest needs.