The Department of Health and Human Services contracted with General Motors to build the ventilators at a converted auto electronics plant in Kokomo at a cost of $489.4 million.

The Bolt may be GM's first EV in a generation, but it foreshadows what's to come. Up next are Chevy and Buick crossovers based on the Bolt's architecture.

Vice President Mike Pence visited General Motors' Kokomo plant where the automaker, in partnership with medical device-maker Ventec, is producing 30,000 ventilators to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development will host a virtual job fair on May 6 to detail requirements, benefits and safety protocols at the facility.

General Motors in Kokomo is hiring for more than 1,000 full- and part-time workers in Kokomo to help it meet demand for medical ventilators during the coronavirus outbreak.

In March, General Motors began working with Seattle-area ventilator maker Ventec Life Systems to increase the company's production. A short time later the automaker began lining up parts suppliers and retooling an electronics factory in Kokomo to build the devices.

As in World War II, automakers today represent manufacturing, engineering, and philanthropic capabilities that can be tapped for everything from face masks to ventilators and food programs.

President Donald Trump ordered General Motors on Friday to accelerate ventilator production under the Defense Production Act.

The automaker said Monday that it's working around the clock with Ventec Life Systems of Washington State to build more of the critical medical devices.

Several auto manufacturers announced Wednesday temporary shutdowns at facilities in response to the novel coronavirus.