Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has taken drastic measures for the majority of its European manufacturing plants by announcing the closure of several facilities in three countries.
The decision was motivated by the coronavirus pandemic that’s spreading like wildfire in Europe. In a press release issued March 16, 2020, the automaker confirmed that its subsidiaries FCA Italy and Maserati will temporarily suspend production at the Melfi, G. Vico (Pomigliano), Cassino, Mirafiori Carrozzerie, Grugliasco and Modena plants in Italy.
At the same time, the Kragujevac and Tychy factories, in Serbia and Poland respectively, will adopt identical measures that will remain in effect through March 27.
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“The temporary suspension continues the implementation of a comprehensive set of actions in response to the COVID-19 emergency and enables the Group to effectively respond to the interruption in market demand by ensuring the optimization of supply”, FCA announced. “In particular, the suspension of production is being facilitated to enable the Group to be ready to commence production promptly once market conditions allow.”
This is the latest set of measures amid the new virus outbreak taken by FCA, who has already modified production protocols at several factories. Protocols include the social distancing of employees at workstations, increased cleaning and sanitization, and enhanced controls and security at canteens. The remote-working option is available to employees all over the world, where possible.
Ferrari and Lamborghini have temporarily suspended production in Italy as well, as a response to the outbreak, which is the biggest one globally after China.
