LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After aiming to restart production on April 14, Ford announced it is delaying the restart of production at its North American plants to a further date.
The company said it will announce its startup dates at a later time. Some plants, like the Rawsonville Components Plant in Michigan will restart the week of April 20 to produce ventilators for medical providers in need during the coronavirus outbreak.
"The health and safety of our workforce, dealers, customers, partners and communities remains our highest priority,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford's president of North America.
Galhotra said they will continue to with union leaders to develop any health and safety measures to protect workers from contracting COVID-19. Ford will continue to assess public health conditions as well as their supplier readiness and will adjust plans if necessary.
“Today’s decision by Ford is the right decision for our members, their families and our nation,” said Rory Gamble, UAW International President.
At its Rawsonville Components Plant, Ford is implementing social distancing, spacing work stations at least six feet apart, and shifts will be separated so there is no contact between different shifts.
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