Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to speak to engineering firms on Monday about whether they can shift production lines to building NHS ventilators.
It comes amid growing concern about a shortage of the life-saving equipment as coronavirus infections increase.
Carmakers and the construction equipment firm JCB are among manufacturers to be contacted.
Downing Street said it wanted the manufacturing sector “to come together to help the country”.
“Preparing for the spread of the coronavirus outbreak is a national priority and we’re calling on the manufacturing industry and all those with relevant expertise who might be able to help to come together to help the country tackle this national crisis ... Read even more
