GE Healthcare Launches First Batch of High-End CARESCAPE R860 Ventilators from Wuxi, China, Marking a Milestone in Localized Smart Manufacturing

June 22,GEThe first batch of high-end ventilators produced by GE Healthcare in China has officially rolled off the production line, contributing to the global fight against the pandemic and promoting the establishment of a "preventive public health system." This marks a significant step in GE Healthcare's localization process, as well as a joint effort between the Wuxi National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone and GE Healthcare to drive progress in Wuxi and beyond.Yangtze River DeltaAnother achievement in the transformation of regional manufacturing and the enhancement of intelligent manufacturing capabilities across the entire supply chain.

It is reported that the ventilator product rolled off the production line is GE Healthcare’s global high-end critical care invasive ventilator, the CARESCAPE R860. The manufacturing of such high-end ventilators imposes higher demands on the Wuxi factory’s intelligent manufacturing capabilities and supply chain reliability. From project initiation to the rollout of the first batch of products today, the GE Healthcare China team took only three months. During this period, the GE Healthcare Wuxi factory worked in close coordination with its U.S. counterpart and collaborated with nearly 50 suppliers worldwide. Its mature lean production management system, stringent quality control, and standardized operational procedures ensured the smooth progress of the project. Upon completion, the ventilator production line is expected to quickly reach a monthly output of 1,000 units, with products distributed globally.

Zhang Yihao, President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Healthcare China, stated that strong support from governments at all levels in Wuxi and supply chain partners has enabled the company to rapidly establish a ventilator production line on the basis of its existing facilities in Wuxi, thereby meeting demand in the Chinese and global markets with faster response times. This not only marks another step forward in GE Healthcare’s comprehensive localization strategy but also demonstrates its firm commitment to continuing its deep roots in Wuxi and across China. Looking ahead, GE Healthcare will continue to collaborate with local governments to advance the localization of innovative intelligent medical devices globally.

In 1996, GE and Haiying established a joint venture, the Haiying Wuxi Factory, in the Wuxi National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone. Today, the Wuxi facility has become GE’s largest global manufacturing base for ultrasound systems and transducers, with ultrasound products manufactured in Wuxi accounting for up to 40% of GE’s global ultrasound sales. Currently, GE Healthcare Wuxi maintains an annual production growth rate of 10%, and its products are exported to the United States, Europe, Japan, and other regions.

Jiang Min, Vice Mayor of Wuxi Municipal People’s Government and Secretary of the Party Working Committee of the High-Tech Zone, stated that GE Healthcare has been rooted in Wuxi for more than 20 years, driving the development of a number of local enterprises through advanced intelligent manufacturing, while its local innovation capabilities have had a global impact. The establishment of GE’s global high-end ventilator production line in Wuxi marks a new milestone in the development of Wuxi’s industrial chain. Looking ahead, we look forward to deepening our cooperation with GE to build a presence in Wuxi that is rooted in China and benefits China.The General PublicofInnovative Medical CareEcosystem. (By Sun Changyue, Economic Daily reporter)