Volkswagen Group South Africa said it would be turning its attention to manufacturing masks and medical equipment as part of its response to the Covid19 crisis.
VWSA said on Monday that it had partnered with Gusco, a former beneficiary of its Community Trust, to produce soft fabric face masks.
Production began last week “following a successful trial batch” and the company said the goal was to deliver thousands of masks in the coming weeks in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
The Uitenhage-based company also said its Research and Development team is using 3D printing technology to produce parts for a mechanical ventilator which will be produced at the plant and based on an open-source design by Seat in Spain.
"We are working with Dr John Black, who is the lead medical advisor on COVID-19 in Nelson Mandela Bay, Dr Adrian Wentzel, a local anaesthetist, and Quinton Uren of Jendamark Automation," said Joost Kessels, Head of Technical Engineering at VWSA.
"Our Legal team is in the process of obtaining the medical release from the relevant authorities as South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, which we need before we can commence with mass production," he said.
Volkswagen Group South Africa Chairman and Managing Director, Thomas Schaefer, said, “it is very important for all the key stakeholders in the Metro to collaborate in order to flatten the curve of the infections whilst protecting the lives of our most vulnerable citizens."
