UPDATE: Rolls-Royce said on Friday that it was significantly reducing activity at civil aerospace sites
Derby’s Rolls-Royce is pushing ahead with production despite the coronavirus lockdown – but has said it is continuing to review the situation.
The engineering giant, which has its civil aerospace and defence divisions in Derby, is the city’s largest private sector employers with around 14,000 staff.
It is one of three major global manufacturers based in and around the city – the others being Toyota and Bombardier.
Last week, Toyota announced it was suspending production at its Burnaston plant due to supply chain issues and a predicted drop off in sales.
Earlier this week, train-maker Bombardier announced the suspension of work at its Litchurch Lane following the tightening of social distancing measures by the Government.
However, Rolls-Royce is continuing with production after implementing a number of measures.
The company has already asked all staff at its civil aerospace site, in Sinfin, who can work from home to do so.
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Meanwhile, a number of measures have been implemented, which are allowing production staff to continue making aero engines.
The Derby site is the main production site for the Trent family of aero engines, where they are also developed and tested.
Rolls-Royce has a large order book of orders, particularly for the Trent XWB, which is among the engines made at Derby.
In a statement, the company said: “Our top priority is to ensure the well-being of all our employees.
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“We remain in close communication with colleagues in Derby and have asked all employees who can work from home to do so.
“We have also introduced split shift working and strict social distancing and hygiene measures for colleagues in production facilities.
“We are reviewing this constantly and are working with our employee and trade union representatives, keeping them closely involved as the situation develops.”