New machinery will also help advanced manufacturing students when an apprenticeship program launches in the upcoming fall as part of a “multi-pronged investment” in future professionals.

UPDATE: March 31, 2020: GM: First 20,000 masks expected to be delivered by April 8But President Donald Trump, claiming the company wasn't moving fast enough, on Friday invoked the Defense Production Act, which gives the government broad authority to direct companies to meet national defense needs. GM expects to start making ventilators in mid-April, ramping up to a rate of 10,000 per month at as quickly as it can. Gordon, who teaches a class in commercialization of biomedical goods, said Trump likely will claim credit when GM starts making the machines. Critics have urged Trump to invoke the Defense Production Act broadly to control the production, supply and distribution of ventilators and protective gear for hospital workers who are running short. Invoking the Defense Production Act “shined a light” on the need for ventilators, he said, but Ventec can’t move any quicker.