This Honda employee works on a Dynaflo compressor needed for a portable ventilator. (Image from Honda)
Honda has begun producing and delivering critical components for the production of much-needed ventilators to Dynaflo (Reading, Pa.), thanks to some match-making by Stop the Spread, a coalition of more than 1500 volunteer CEOs working around the U.S. to respond to COVID-19.
Honda teamed up with Dynaflo to increase Dynaflo’s production of diaphragm compressors, a key component of portable ventilators that are used in hospitals and by first responders throughout the country to help those stricken with the COVID-19 virus. The companies are aiming to produce 10,000 compressors per month once production reaches capacity. Honda and Dynaflo expect to maintain compressor production through the end of August.
“Honda associates have successfully transformed a portion of our technical training center into an assembly line that will help support the urgent need to produce ventilator components,” said Rick Schostek, EVP of Honda North America, in a news release. “With our supply of these key components to Dynaflo, we hope to help address one of the most pressing needs within the COVID-19 crisis.”
Honda has transformed a 6,000 sq. ft. area of its technical development center in Marysville, Ohio, into a space for associates to assemble the compressors. Honda said it tapped into its workers’ experience in parts tracking, build timing, quality checks and lot control to quickly ramp up production over the first weeks of the project while maintaining social distancing protocols.
Before the COVID-19 crisis, Dynaflo had been making these state-of-the-art compressors at the rate of about 75 per week, so it needed substantial help to increase its production capacity. To ensure consistency and quality, Honda workers have worked closely with Dynaflo employees to learn best practices in compressor assembly, giving the Honda associates the ability to build and quality test the devices before shipping.
“Being connected to Honda of America has been a godsend” said Dynaflo president William Fleming. “Combining our diaphragm compressor technology with Honda’s expertise in mass production is a perfect combination to help meet the needs of this crisis.”
