More than 1,900 turbochargers were assembled and delivered within four days from Garrett Motion’s Wuhan, China plant to Jiangling Motors Co. (JMC) for the continued manufacturing of life-saving “negative pressure” ambulances, which are used to aid Wuhan and relevant cities suffering from the coronavirus epidemic.

 

Negative pressure ambulances are key to safely isolate and transport patients suspected of contracting novel coronavirus pneumonia. Among other life-preserving features, the vehicle’s cabin has a special air chamber for highly infectious patients that purifies and recirculates the oxygen in an enclosed environment, preventing direct and indirect contact between the patient area, the driver and on-board medical staff.

 

In February, Garrett’s Wuhan plant remained in temporary shutdown following local ordinances from the Chinese government due to the coronavirus risk. The plant was granted special permission to operate with a limited staff to produce the essential turbochargers that JMC and the Chinese government required for the continued supply of ambulances.

 

Putting the health and safety of its employees first, Garrett immediately implemented several security measures and disinfection of all working areas within the plant. The nearly 2,000 turbos were produced by employees who volunteered for the project – six operators and 11 support staff members – and it was safely completed within four days.

 

“We are very proud of our employees,” said Garrett President and CEO Olivier Rabiller. “They fulfilled a customer order that will save lives and help decrease the spread of novel coronavirus. Our team worked with great speed, courage and dedication to support front-line medical responders. This is an extremely difficult time and we are happy to have played a role in helping these essential ambulances to continue rolling off assembly lines.”

 

The on-site employees also received immense support from more than 40 technicians via online communications tools, along with constant communications between other Garrett sites, customers, suppliers, and the Chinese government to achieve the delivery of nearly 2,000 turbos.