The first Range Rover has rolled off the production line in Solihull after social distancing measures were implemented following the coronavirus lockdown.
Production has only just resumed following the pause at the factory at the end of March, which gave the company time to implement plans to ensure staff could return to work safely.
Effective social distancing, hygiene and health monitoring measures have all been put in place following what Land Rover describes as an ‘extensive review of all production lines, engineering facilities, office areas and communal spaces’.
Grant McPherson, Jaguar Land Rover executive director of Manufacturing, said: “Seeing the first Range Rover come off our line today is a defining moment for Jaguar Land Rover, for all of us who work for the company and the many businesses in our supply chain. It marks the end of our temporary shutdown and signals the beginning of a return to normality. But, of course, this is a new normal.
“People will be experiencing many emotions, ranging from worry about hygiene to relief at being able to return to work and excitement at seeing colleagues again. The health and wellbeing of our employees has been our primary concern in the build-up to this point. Throughout the coming months, I know that as a team we will do all we can to ‘Stay safe. Be kind. Stay well’.”
Staff will be also asked to complete an online clinical questionnaire, monitor their temperature at home and before each shift, as well as signing up to a new health and wellbeing charter.
The move to re-open falls in line with other manufacturing plants in the UK which have already resumed production including Rolls-Royce and Vauxhall, however Nissan said it was unlikely to reopen until June.
