DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. mentioned on Tuesday it has ordered a dozen ultra-cold freezers that may safely retailer Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine, a transfer geared toward guaranteeing the U.S. automaker’s staff have entry to vaccines when they’re rolled out nationally.

Ford’s buy mirrors efforts by U.S. states and cities to purchase gear to retailer thousands and thousands of doses of Pfizer’s vaccine at temperatures of minus 70 levels Celsius (minus 94 levels Fahrenheit), considerably under the usual for vaccines of 2-8 levels C (36-46 levels F).

Well being care suppliers and states are making ready for a brand new kind of vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna Inc. that require decrease temperatures for storage.

“We’re doing this in order that we will make the vaccine out there to our staff on a voluntary foundation,” Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker mentioned.

Particulars of how Ford will use the freezers, that are anticipated to be delivered by yr finish, are nonetheless being labored out, she mentioned.

Meeting staff are thought-about important in most states, however not on the high of the checklist for vaccines, that are anticipated to be distributed first to well being care staff and nursing residence residents.

Automakers have been largely capable of keep away from unfold of the virus amongst hourly staff of their meeting vegetation after a two-month shutdown earlier within the yr, however COVID-19 instances and hospitalizations are spiking within the U.S., particularly within the Midwest.

Felker didn’t know which firm is supplying Ford with the freezers. Some specialty freezer makers have warned of months-long waits for items.

Ford, which made the choice to purchase the freezers by itself and isn’t working with different corporations or states, didn’t disclose how a lot it spent, however the specialised freezers required by Pfizer’s vaccine can value $5,000 to $15,000 apiece, in response to trade officers.