Trade publications this week started carrying conversations about restarting big factories with a combination of Covid-19 testing, social distancing and general reorganization of workflow and cleaning techniques to make it safe for employees to return to work.
That said, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama announced Wednesday it would continue to idle automotive production in Montgomery, Alabama through May 1. It hopes to resume production May 4.
HMMA employees will continue to receive full medical, dental and vision benefits during this production interruption. Team members may also use their paid vacation time or leave during this period.
In the meantime, the company has developed enhanced procedures to sanitize workspaces for its approximately 3,000 team members. It plans to pre-screen for elevated temperatures; ensure physical distancing guidelines throughout the facility; expand cleaning protocols and increase distribution of health and safety materials.
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International has extended its production halt to April 20.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a stay-at-home order until April 30, 2020. HMMA team members and their families are encouraged to respect the order and follow Centers for Disease Control and Alabama Department of Public Health protocols for reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Chinese factories that closed before the virus spread worldwide have started to reopen as the number of infected people there has declined.
An updated restart list for Southern automakers:
Alabama
Hyundai May 4
Honda May 4
Toyota April 20
Mercedes-Benz April 20
Georgia
Kia April 13
Kentucky
Toyota May 4
Fort Truck No date
Ford No date
GM No date
Mississippi
Toyota May 4
Nissan Late April
South Carolina
BMW May 1
Mercedes-Benz Charleston April 20
Volvo May 4
Tennessee
Nissan Smyrna Late April
Nissan Decherd Late April
VW April 12
GM No date
Texas
Toyota May 4
GM No date
