
We’ve all heard about the shortage of ventilators as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. But did you know that Alger Precision has become part of the solution? That’s right, in April alone, Alger has delivered 7 different types of parts used in ventilators and other lifesaving medical devices.
What is a ventilator anyway?
In the most severe cases of COVID-19, a patient’s lungs become so inflamed and full of fluid that they no longer deliver enough oxygen to the bloodstram to keep that person alive. One way to counteract this is by using a ventilator, which helps the patient’s lung operate while the rest of the body fights off the virus. While there were between 160,000 and 200,000 ventilators in the United States as of Mid-March, some health experts believe as many as 1 million COVID-19 patients might need the devices in the country over the course of the pandemic.
The race to build ventilators and save lives:
It started when the Big 3 automakers agreed to convert shuttered auto plants into ventilator production factories. While not experts in making medical devices, the Big 3 are automakers do understand supply chains. They reached out to their supply base which included one of our best customers. With a long history of making medical devices, this customer was a natural to be part of the team, and as a trusted supplier, so was Alger Precision Machining, LLC.
And we delivered in record time:
- Thursday 4/02: Alger submits quotes for multiple part numbers.
- Tuesday 4/07: We are awarded several part numbers and given a 4/13 deadline for first shipment. We begin the search for raw material.
- Wednesday 4/08: Alger is ‘all-hands-on-deck’ in all required departments.
- Thursday 4/09: Production and Engineering are halted due to large power outage. Edison saves the day by cutting through all red tape and delivering a generator
- Friday 4/10 & Saturday 4/11: Alger keeps its doors open to continue production of these life-saving parts
- Monday 4/13: Alger makes the first shipment of completed production.
The chance to make a difference and do our part during this difficult time in our world, is one of the most exciting and important things to happen at Alger in many years. We are very proud that when the call for help came in, Alger delivered.