Volvo Cars to resume production next week
After shutting down production due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Volvo Cars is preparing to reopen its manufacturing plants in Torslanda, Sweden and Ghent, Belgium on Monday, April 20th.
The company has spent the last few weeks preparing to work as safely as possible when its workers return, with the focus now on safeguarding health. The factories will be working at reduced production output, whilst the facility located in South Carolina prepares for its reopening on May 11th.
Volvo Cars has been in close contact with labour unions, all partners, and suppliers as it has worked to reopen its plants. This continued contact will help ensure the supply chain encounters minimal disruption, and will allow demand to be adjusted according to the current market.
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“We have a responsibility towards our employees and our suppliers to restart operations now that the situation allows it,” said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive. “The best thing we can do to help society is to find ways to restart the company in a safe way, thereby safeguarding people’s health and their jobs.”
All Volvo Cars facilities have been deep cleaned, with efforts to improve sanitation and cleaning routines intensified also. Employees will have the opportunity to take voluntary temperature tests and to measure their blood oxygen levels before entering the building. Every workstation within the company has been reviewed in recent weeks, with measures for social distancing being taken into account where possible, and protective measures put into place where social distancing is not possible.
Around Sweden, office buildings have seen layouts in meeting rooms and office spaces adjusted to enable social distancing, whilst many restaurants have also been rearranged to allow for extra space. Other measures, such as limiting the number of employees allowed in meetings, have been introduced in many businesses to control the spread of coronavirus.
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