MILAN -- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles introduced new safety measures as it resumed van production on Monday at its Atessa plant in central Italy.
Among other measures, FCA has provided workers with personal safety kits, which include face masks, gloves and protective glasses, it said in a news release.
"We have been working daily with the Italian government and local authorities to prepare for a return to production in Italy, while ensuring there is no compromise to the safety of anyone working at any of our production facilities or offices," said FCA's Europe chief, Pietro Gorlier.
With a daily production of about 1,200 light commercial vehicles, the factory is the largest van assembly facility in Europe. It has been closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. It employs around 6,500 people and is a 50-50 joint venture between FCA and PSA. It produces the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Jumper/Relay vans.
FCA also began partial working at its factory in Melfi, southern Italy, on Monday. Workers are preparing the facility for the final development of the new plug-in hybrid versions of the Jeep Compass and Renegade.
The resumption comes a week before the Italy plans to start lifting a national lockdown put in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Italy has said it would allow factories and building sites to reopen from May 4 as it prepares a staged end to Europe's longest coronavirus lockdown. However, some businesses deemed "strategic" and exporting companies were allowed to resume activity sooner to reduce the risk of being cut out of the production chain and losing business.
FCA also has begun preparatory work at its Cassino, Pomigliano and Mirafiori car factories and at its Termoli powertrain facility in Italy.
