Fujitsu TEN España lends its monozukuri expertise to support Andalucia Respira iniative
FTESA collaborates with the Government of Andalucia and the University of Málaga to produce medical equipment supporting the COVID-19 response in Andalucia
Málaga, Spain (April 24, 2020) – Fujitsu TEN España, S.A. (FTESA), along with doctors and engineers, has joined Andalucia Respira (Andalucia Breathes) an initiative led by the Government of Andalucia with the collaboration of the University of Málaga to prototype and mass-produce medical ventilators. Intended to support the COVID-19 response in Andalucia, the ventilators are designed as compatible substitutes of standard medical equipment within Intensive Care Units. They have thus far been approved for use at 20 hospitals in Andalucia and 12 hospitals in Madrid.
With over 200,000 confirmed cases, Spain reports one of the highest numbers COVID-19 infections in the European region and has seen a rise in volunteerism and solidarity from individuals as well as organizations. FTESA has supported the Andalucia Respira initiative by providing its manufacturing expertise and monozukuri capabilities, free of charge, through product industrialization, prototyping, and production line preparation.
The project was completed over a timeframe of 2 weeks from design to production, with about 3000 hours put in by FTESA associates including retired volunteers who were eager to contribute. With a production line capable of completing 1 unit every 14 minutes, FTESA is manufacturing 300 ventilators which would support hospitals treating COVID-19 patients as a first production.
On the 16th of April, Mr. Juan Manuel Moreno, the President of Andalucia, visited the FTESA facility to see the first ventilator units first-hand and to thank FTESA’s associates for their efforts and commitment. "If a peak or another wave comes, in Andalucia we will be prepared," Moreno said. FTESA was also presented with a letter of appreciation from the Mayor of Málaga.
In a message to FTESA’s associates Mr. Koji Arima, President and CEO of DENSO Corporation, expressed his heartfelt thanks. “There is nothing like seeing an image of social contribution in these difficult and unusual moments. It is an example of positive action to contribute in each region.”
Likewise, in a statement from Ms. Blanca Hermana, CEO of FTESA, she said, “The crisis will leave deep scars but we are sure that with efforts, predisposition, collaboration, dedication and commitment, we will come through and grasp new opportunities that will arrive. This is the time to unite ourselves. Together we will win the battle.”
Owned jointly by DENSO Ten and Fujitsu Limited, FTESA is one of the newest members to join DENSO’s European network and leverages over 40 years of experience in manufacturing electronic products for the automotive industry. FTESA’s facility in Málaga in southern Spain employs about 500 associates and with CEO Blanca Hermana at the helm, its leadership is a reflection of the FTESA Spirit as well as DENSO’s long-term commitment to society.
Click here to read more about COVID-19 initiatives across DENSO’s European network.
Photo Credits: Fujitsu TEN España, S.A. & IBIMA
