Local manufacture of ventilators set to save lives throughout Africa
August 2020
News
Local production of bridge ventilators for the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) is in full swing at ESG Medical Equipment’s manufacturing facility in Johannesburg.
“In response to the urgent need throughout the African continent for personal protection equipment during the COVID-19 crisis - ESG Medical Equipment, in partnership with other local companies – is set to help AMSP save lives, through the manufacture and procurement of specialist medical equipment,” says Gavin Pelser CEO, Engineering Solutions Group (ESG) – part of Invicta Holdings Limited. “African and global philanthropists have teamed up with local businesses, to help secure urgently needed ventilators, breathing support devices and other medical equipment, that will assist the people of Africa in the fight against the coronavirus.
“The ESG Medical Equipment team is working closely with engineers from Virgin Orbit and Virgin Galactic, to produce high quality bridge ventilators, using locally-sourced materials and components. The design of these ventilators was provided by Virgin Orbit for this initiative at no cost, as part of the Virgin Group’s philanthropic efforts during the COVID-19 crisis, to help flatten the curve in Africa.
“These ventilators - along with other medical equipment and PPE - are available from the African Union’s (AU) online pool procurement platform, AMSP. This initiative was established to enable easy procurement, co-ordination and distribution of medical supplies for all AU member nations.
“This venture is a perfect example of how effective teamwork can be. And in this case, when over 1,2-billion lives in Africa are vulnerable, a co-ordinated effort to combat the pandemic, is even more critical. Our team is proud to be part of this programme and to work with the finest business leaders and world-class engineers.”
According to South African President and AU chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa, who officiated at the launch of AMSP in June, the online platform is the glue that will bind the continent together.
ESG Medical Equipment will soon produce oxygen helmets, also based on the free design from Virgin Orbit. These are critical to help open up the alveoli in infected lungs and delay or prevent Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in those suffering the effects of COVID-19.
Further reading:
Engineering solutions to keep coal power plants viable in a renewables-driven grid
News
Steinmüller Africa showcased engineering solutions at Enlit Africa 2026 that let existing coal-fired power stations run efficiently at much lower loads, helping the grid absorb a growing share of variable renewable energy.
Read more...
Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa
News
Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa 2026 with a portfolio that has expanded well beyond dry-type transformers into fully engineered electrical power solutions for mining, industrial and infrastructure operations across Africa.
Read more...
SAIMC INSPIRE conference extends abstract submission deadline
SAIMC
SAIMC News
Following requests from our sponsors, the SAIMC INSPIRE conference has officially extended the abstract submission deadline to 28 August 2026.
Read more...
Pomini Tenova and Siemens advance roll grinder technology
Siemens South Africa
News
Pomini Tenova and Siemens strengthen their long-standing partnership to support the revamping and modernisation of roll grinders with advanced CNC and automation technology.
Read more...
Behind the scenes technologies enabling the future of mobility
News
Henkel explains how advanced adhesives, thermal interface materials and sealing technologies are enabling the next generation of electric vehicles, and what this means for South Africa’s automotive sector.
Read more...
Professor Glenda Gray inducted as Fellow of Royal Society
News
NRF board member, Professor Glenda Gray has been inducted as a Fellow of the UK’s Royal Society, the world’s oldest and one of its most prestigious academies of sciences.
Read more...
African Group Lubricants launches Mobil Give a Drop campaign
News
African Group Lubricants launches the Mobil Give a Drop campaign, a national initiative supporting community-led projects across South Africa.
Read more...
Why representation in STEM is crucial
News
Women’s underrepresentation in STEM is a business risk as much as a social one, shrinking an already pressured talent pool. Intentional mentorship and visible leadership pathways are structural necessities, not HR gestures.
Read more...
Corrosion control is the overlooked link in the global energy supply chain
News
Effective corrosion protection at every stage of the energy supply chain, from raw material fabrication to final installation, is essential to avoid costly rework and component failures on large-scale projects worldwide.
Read more...
Women shaping engineering at ABB
ABB South Africa
News
Two ABB engineers share how curiosity, mentorship and an inclusive culture have shaped their careers, and what they see as the most exciting opportunities for women in engineering across Africa.
Read more...
printer friendly version