Honda announced today it is gradually resuming production of auto, engine and transmissions in its plants in the U.S. and Canada beginning Monday. The plants, including one in Greensburg, were shut down on March 23.
In resuming production, Honda will stagger the start-up at each plant, with most plants using the first day to ensure that front-line leaders are trained on new procedures and activities related to COVID-19 prevention. Prior to resuming production, associates will learn about the new safety measures and re-train on work processes after the period of suspended production.
All salaried and support associates who have been on furlough from Honda operations in the U.S. will return to work on May 8 or May 11, depending on location. Honda will continue to maximize opportunities for associates to work remotely, while practicing social distancing for associates performing essential roles that require them to work at Honda facilities.
Health and safety measures include:
- Temperature scanning – all Honda associates, suppliers, contractors and visitors will undergo a temperature scan and will not be allowed inside Honda facilities with a temperature of 100-degrees or higher.
- Masks and cloth face coverings – as an added precaution, Honda is requiring the use of masks or cloth face coverings at all times inside all buildings except when eating or drinking. Honda plants and offices will provide one new mask per day for every associate.
- Face shields – Honda will require associates to wear face shields in certain areas of the manufacturing plants as an added precaution.
- Cleaning and disinfecting – Honda has increased cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing activities throughout its operations, along with providing cleaning supplies in common areas for use by associates.
Social Distancing measures include:
- Staggered shift start times – there will be staggered our shift start times to reduce the amount of people entering and leaving plants at one time.
- Staggered lunch and break times – changes to seating arrangements have been made in cafeterias and additional rooms are available for lunch.
- Production processes – each plant is adjusting processes and workstations to achieve social distancing on the production line to the extent possible.
- Capacity changes – common areas such as restrooms and locker rooms will limit capacity to maximize social distance.
- Increased signage – all facilities have increased signage to remind associates of social distancing requirements, CDC guidelines for good hygiene and other helpful safety and health information.
