Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port factory to restart in August

Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port manufacturing site will resume manufacturing activity on 17^th August, parent firm Groupe PSA has announced.

Yann Vincent, EVP manufacturing of Groupe PSA, said: “As industrial activity is driven by commercial activity, we are gradually and safely resuming our industrial activity at Ellesmere Port on 17^th August. I would particularly like to praise the contribution of the Ellesmere Port employees who have supported the ramp-up of the production of Luton plant with a temporary transfer. This is a strong illustration that, together with Unite the Union, we have succeeded to protect both our employees and our operations in the UK in the difficult context of the Covid-19 crisis.”

Related: Vauxhall Luton starts third shift to meet demand

Mark Noble, director of the Ellesmere Port plant, added: "Our strengthened health procedures provide a high level of protection to our employees and this is the first consideration for restarting our manufacturing sites. Since the shutdown of the site on 17^th March, a reinforced health & safety barrier protocol has been implemented in the plant with the full involvement of Unite the Union.

“This fully complies with the standards set by both Groupe PSA and also the UK government. This health & safety barrier protocol was validated by a Groupe PSA audit that took place on 24^th April 2020, which enables the resumption of production of the Astra on 17^th August, in a progressive and safe manner.”

Groupe PSA says its priority has been to protect its employees and preserve the company's long-term future since the beginning of the pandemic.

During its closure, the Ellesmere Port site has remained active and implemented a protocol of strengthened health measures. This protocol, approved by management, has been fully audited in order to assess its implementation.

The protocol comprises more than 100 measures covering all the company's activities at industrial, administrative, R&D and commercial level.

The protocol – specifically developed for industrial sites – requires daily checking of employees’ temperatures in addition to their self-monitoring of symptoms. The wearing of glasses or goggles on site is also supplemented by a daily individual supply of masks, and respecting safe distances between people.

Measures include break areas with markings on the floor, keeping doors open (except fire doors) to avoid contact with handles, frequent cleaning of tools and work surfaces, waiting time when exchanging unprepared parts in a Groupe PSA (hand to hand) environment.

Groupe PSA www.groupe-psa.com