AMGC helps create consortium to build life-saving ventilators
A group of Australian manufacturing companies has secured a $31.3 million contract from the Federal Government to build ventilators as part of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Supported by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) and the Victorian Government, the notus Emergency Invasive Ventilator Program will see 2,000 ventilators manufactured for the Federal Government.
Led by technology commercialisation experts Grey Innovation, several AMGC members are involved in the initiative. ANCA and Marand will manufacture and assemble thousands of critical parts, while Bosch is manufacturing the test equipment required to verify the ventilators.
With time to market critical, Grey Innovation secured a certified mechanical ventilator design from a prominent medical device company under licence for production in Victoria. The supply of ventilators is set to commence in June and will contain 99% Australian manufactured content.
An Incredible Collaborative Spirit
Standing alongside AMGC Chairman, Paul Cooper, at the announcement of the ventilator project, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said Grey Innovation and its cohort of industry partners are stepping up to meet the challenge of this unprecedented pandemic.
“This is another great example of Australian industry and the private sector working with our Government to ensure critical supply of medical equipment during the outbreak of this virus,” said Minister Andrews.
“This deal demonstrates the power of bringing Aussie manufacturers and clinicians together and is also a reflection of the highly advanced manufacturing capability that exists in our country.”
“It also shows the incredible collaborative spirit that’s been on display as we respond to this unprecedented pandemic. Companies which are normally in competition are working together for the greater good,” said Minister Andrews.
An Advanced, Versatile Manufacturing Industry
According to AMGC’s Managing Director, Dr Jens Goennemann, AMGC’s COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register was critical in bringing manufacturers together to form the consortium of 20 members.
“We are very proud of the advanced and versatile manufacturing industry we have here in Australia, and of the role AMGC has played in brokering the Australian Government supply contract for this Grey Innovation-led initiative. We will be pushing to ensure the increase in local manufacturing is sustained beyond the current crisis.”
“Thanks to the many manufacturers who are part of the notus consortium, I am confident that Australia will have sufficient invasive ventilators at hand – whatever the scenario may be in the future,” said Dr Goennemann.
Working Together in the Hour of Need
Grey Innovation’s Executive Chairman, Jefferson Harcourt is proud the company will play a role in helping Australia fight the COVID-19 humanitarian crisis. “Victoria has the highest concentration of engineering and manufacturing companies in Australia, and as such, we are well placed to work together to do something about ensuring there isn’t a shortfall of ICU equipment here in Victoria and the rest of the country.”
“We thank the Australian Government along with the Victorian Government and AMGC for their support of the vision and rapid response to get the program underway and are overwhelmed by the willingness of our industry colleagues to respond in this critical hour of need,” said Harcourt.
