Car maker Toyota is to restart operations at its Derbyshire manufacturing plant from today after implementing several measures to keep workers safe.
The Japanese firm originally suspended production at its Burnaston site on March 18 after the Government introduced social distancing measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
However, last week, following the recent easing of certain lockdown measures, Toyota Motor Europe announced it was ‘studying’ the possibility of restarting production at Burnaston, after reopening its engine manufacturing plant at Deeside, North Wales, on May 13.
The Burnaston factory produces the Corolla Hatchback and Touring Sports with the majority of its output exported to mainland Europe.
According to a statement issued by Toyota Motor Europe, the Burnaston factory will organise two induction days for staff to familiarise themselves with their new working environment and the measures that have been taken to address social distancing requirements, the reduction of common touchpoints and increased hygiene measures.
The “non-exhaustive” list of the health and safety measures includes floor marking to visualise social distancing, no physical greeting allowed, clear hand sanitising instructions, mandatory face masks, limited seating areas and catering offer and intensive disinfection and cleaning of common areas.
The firm said that additional shift time would be allocated to allow workers to take the time to absorb and build confidence with the new health and safety measures, which have all been agreed by union and health and safety reps.
In its statement, Toyota Motor Europe said: “A key condition from the outset has been to ensure the safety of our employees, contractors and visitors.
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“An extensive range of health and safety measures have been put in place to address the required levels of hygiene and social distancing, and reassure employees returning to work.
“Recently, both national and regional governments across Europe have taken tentative steps to partially ease some of the strict lockdown measures that had been introduced in an attempt to contain the Covid-19 virus.
“In some European countries, these circumstances permit car retailer showrooms to reopen their businesses, allowing us to react to customer demand and the developing market conditions, step by step.”
While production was temporarily halted at Burnaston, Toyota continued to support the fight against the coronavirus pandemic through a range of social contributions.
Toyota Motor Europe said that the Toyota Manufacturing 海角视频 (TM海角视频) sites at both Burnaston and Deeside have been supporting a number of local and national initiatives.
This includes Toyota staff carrying out volunteer work for the NHS and other support organisations.
They have provided “extensive” supplies of PPE, including gloves, hi-vis jackets, goggles, overshoes and seat covers to multiple NHS hospitals and first responder units, hospices and county councils.
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For the NHS, TM海角视频 has also been involved in the reception, testing, repair and refurbishment of medical equipment.
It has also provided 3D printed visors to hospitals and care homes in England and Wales and been involved in the creation of a 3D-printed ventilator adaptor.
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On a national level, in collaboration with Made Here Now, TM海角视频 is supporting the creation of respirator hoods for NHS staff.
The firm’s quality audit team is also involved in a study to investigate the possible use of air bag material to create surgical gowns.
Finally, the firm has made numerous donations and vehicle loans to local charities, with causes ranging from foodbanks to mental health.