Hydrix has been invited to join a consortium of innovative Australian businesses building advanced mechanical ventilators as part of Australia’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hydrix has been contracted to supply a series of critical test jigs and components. The test systems being developed at its Mulgrave facility (pictured) are designed to validate performance of 2,000 ventilators under development by the consortium.
Melbourne-based Grey Innovation recently announced it had secured a $31.3 million federal government contract to deliver the ventilators by the end of July and has assembled a team of local manufacturers to support the contract. Hydrix joins other Australian companies in the consortium including Marand, Robert Bosch Australia and ANCA.
Hydrix General Manager Michael Trieu said: ‘Hydrix is delighted to be able to contribute its engineering expertise to the fight against COVID-19, and to support and improve local Australian capability. The urgent need for medical products due to the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of Australia’s international supply chains and underscores the need for strong local product development and manufacturing know-how. As a result, we expect many Australian companies will be reassessing their reliance on international suppliers and re-focus their product development and manufacturing back to local industry.”
Grey’s NOTUS Emergency Invasive Ventilator Program is supported by the Australian Government, the Victorian Government and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre.
