Vauxhall is planning to re-start production at its Ellesmere Port plant following the successful introduction of reinforced health measures.
The plant was closed a month ago due to the Covid-19 health crisis, in line with Vauxhall owner Groupe PSA’s priority to protect its employees and preserve the company's long-term future.
During the closure, the Ellesmere Port site has remained "active" and implemented a protocol of reinforced health measures. This protocol, now approved by management, has been fully audited, in order to assess its implementation.
Ellesmere Port’s management team has invited Unite, representing plant employees, to make a final review of the safety protocols, before a resumption of manufacturing activity can begin.
These protocols include checking employees’ temperatures, the wearing of glasses and masks, and respecting safe distances between people.
It comprises more than 100 measures covering all the company's activities at industrial, administrative, R&D and commercial level.
Measures include break areas with markings on the floor, keeping doors open (except fire doors) to avoid contact with handles, frequent cleaning of tools and work surfaces, waiting time when exchanging unprepared parts in a Groupe PSA (hand to hand) environment.
No date has been confirmed for when production at Ellesmere Port will recommence.
The other plants in Germany and in Portugal, Spain, Russia and the USA are to restart production in the week from April 27.
The brand’s Commercial Vehicles plants in Hannover and in Poland at Poznań and Września are also to gradually start production again at reduced capacity levels from Monday, April 27.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
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