JCB restarts production at Staffordshire manufacturing plants

The machinery manufacturer had turned over production to creating special housings for a new type of ventilator to help the NHS.

But following Government confirmation last week, production was halted, allowing the firm to refocus on demand for agricultural machinery.

JCB says there will be a partial restart of production at five of its UK factories, several of which are based in Staffordshire.

Its Loadall division at the World HQ, in Rocester, and its JCB Earthmovers and Landpower divisions in Cheadle, have now resumed production

Together with plants in Wrexham and and Uttoxeter, the move means a return to work for more than 400 employees.

There will be a package of safety measures is rolled out to protect employees in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

These include employees self-assessing for Covid-19 symptoms before leaving home, temperature checks overseen by medical staff for every employee arriving for work, issuing of surgical masks to office and shop floor employees, provision of visors for shop floor employees for extra protection.

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There will also be an introduction of thermal imaging cameras later this month, hand sanitisers available, clearly-marked walkways and a reduction in office desks to maximise social distancing, closure of canteen facilities and vending machines and suspension of car sharing schemes and disabling of lavatory hand dryers in favour of paper towels.

Working from home is continuing for employees where at all possible.

JCB chief executive Graeme Macdonald said: “Production has resumed at a very low level, mainly to satisfy demand for agricultural machinery.

"Ahead of this re-start, an exhaustive review was undertaken to enable us to introduce wide-ranging measures that will best protect our employees.

"The actions we have taken ensure that safe distancing between employees on-site can be achieved at all times.

"In circumstances where risks are greater, additional protective visors are being provided.

The health and safety of our employees is absolutely paramount as we all adjust to this new normal and the measures we have put in place will ensure we all stay healthy and avoid risks.”

Many staff had been furloughed after the lockdown was established.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the furlough scheme currently supporting 7.5 million jobs through the coronavirus crisis will be extended until the end of October.

The announcement has been welcomed by West Midlands business leaders.