Parts suppliers are scrambling to play a role in the industry's new effort to convert automotive factory capacity to the production of ventilators, respirators, masks, hospital gowns and other key medical supplies to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
But first they must sort through a host of real-world manufacturing questions — such as how to obtain the necessary tooling to produce the items, how to properly train their workers, and how to provide quality assurance on unfamiliar products.
Vehicle door handle and exterior mirror supplier ADAC Automotive last week signed up for duty in the health crisis.
Carol Stewart, ADAC executive vice president, told Automotive News in a statement that the Grand Rapids, Mich., company is working with General Motors to "identify if we can support production of critical parts for medical ventilators." The company declined further comment.
Canadian supply giant Magna International s…