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YPSILANTI, MI – Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) issued the following statement after Ford Motor Company, UAW, General Electric (GE), and Airon announced a partnership for the production of critically-needed ventilators at Rawsonville plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan:

“This is a welcome announcement. Rawsonville plant in Ypsilanti – home to the original Rosie the Riveters – will once again join the fight to produce critically needed supplies to fight COVID-19.

“It’s truly remarkable that within a matter of days, Ford, UAW, GE, and Airon were able to come together and turn around a plan to start producing ventilators and other medical equipment – which are critically needed in our community and across the country. They claim to be able to produce 50,000 ventilators in the next 100 days, and 30,000 per month after that. Along with their production of face shields, this announcement will ramp up production of face masks, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to be distributed locally and shipped nationwide to healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers. They are saving lives and keeping our community strong.

“This critical production will happen in the near geographic location as the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II. Today, we are at war with an invisible enemy that is endangering our lives and livelihoods. During the War, Rosies rose up with a ‘We Can Do It!’ attitude, today we do the same.

“UAW and Ford worked together to make this agreement possible. Eager, hard-working men and women are answering the call to volunteer to meet the critical need. This will employ hundreds of workers. 

“We all have a role to play in winning this battle. For most of us, that’s staying home physically but not socially distant from others to stop the spread, and being diligent about washing our hands and cleaning surfaces to keep our families safe at home.”