Following the announcement of technology giant 3M Co and engine manufacturer Cummins to join forces in the fight against COVID-19;

Dara Lo, Medical Device Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

“3M Co has ramped up its production of N95 respirators, doubling its normal output. The company is currently manufacturing 100 million N95 respirators per month worldwide, with 35 million of these being produced in the US. Partnering with Cummins is expected to enable a further increase in respirator production as Cummins, traditionally an engine manufacturer, will produce high efficiency particulate filters for use in 3M’s respirators.

“Restricted border movements around the world has disrupted the medical devices supply chain. While the purpose of these border restrictions is to minimize transmission of COVID-19, these preventative measures have impacted the workforce, leading to shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE), essential medical devices, and diagnostic test kits. A solution to the disruption of the medical devices supply chain is having medical device manufacturers, such as 3M, identify new suppliers, such as Cummins, who can source the raw materials needed to maintain production continuity and raw material stock.”

“Large manufacturers such as Medtronic, Tesla, GE Healthcare, and the Ford Motor Company (Ford) have entered into collaborations, as well, to increase production of essential medical devices, such as ventilators, as the demand for essential medical devices continues to surge due to COVID-19.”