Lancashire link as new Ventilator Challenge gets under way

The firm is using its production management expertise and making some sub-components, to help a consortium of top UK manufacturers to boost the supply of ventilators to help patients suffering from coronavirus.

The consortium is led by Dick Elsy, chief executive of High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a group of manufacturing research centres in the UK.

He was previously chief executive at Leyland-based Torotrak which developed gearless technology for motor vehicles. The consortium is working on a Rapidly Manufactured Ventilator System assembled from parts in current production.

The consortium is now working to take the necessary steps in order to increase production of the design and production will begin this week.

A BAE Systems spokesman said: “Our role in VentilatorChallengeUK is to help ramp up production of a proven ventilator design, which has been supplied by a leading UK medical company to help those suffering from the virus.

“We will be providing integrated, tested sub-systems and components, which makes best use of our strong project management and engineering skills, while saving significant time during final assembly.”

Dick Elsy said: “This consortium brings together some of the most innovative companies in the world.

“Every day, their highly-skilled staff collaborate to create solutions that help millions of people, and this project is no different.

“They are working together with incredible determination and energy to scale up production of much-needed ventilators and combat a virus that is affecting people in many countries.

“I am confident this consortium has the skills and tools to make a difference and save lives.”

As well as BAE Systems, others in the consortium include Airbus Dell, Ford, , Siemens, GKN, Thales, Rolls Royce, Accenture, Inspiration Healthcare, DHL and many Formula One racing teams.