Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Changan Ford (CAF) plants shut down for another week after the Spring Festival break and have begun to resume work since February 10. The CAF Plant III and transmission plant that are now mainly responsible for the production of Ford Escape, are among the first batch of plants that have resumed work. On February 19, the first Ford Escape rolled off the assembly line.
As the first all new model after CAF revealed the Acceleration Plan, all-wheel-drive Ford Escape, equipped with a strong powertrain and agile aluminum alloy suspension, is the pivot for a sales boost. Since the model’s market launch on December 19 , 2019 CAF has received considerable orders of the all new SUV. In order to deliver the vehicles to customers as soon as possible, CAF Plant III has made comprehensive preparations for resuming work.
The leaders of every workshop collected health condition information of all employees. Those who were under the quarantine or had suspected symptoms were not allowed to return to work. They also made great efforts to communicate the correct protection measures to employees via roll-up banners, brochures and videos. In terms of coordination with suppliers, CAF purchasing, materials planning & logistics teams contacted suppliers in advance to ensure a sustained supply of auto parts before officially resuming work.
After employees returned to the plant, CAF has taken a series of actions to protect workers against the epidemic. Every detail is taken into consideration. Multiple shuttle buses provide transportation along several routes between plants and the city center. Employees will be required to have their temperature taken and wear a mask before getting on the bus. We have also implemented a special lunchtime schedule in which employees take turns in the canteen to limit the number of employees and avoid mass gatherings. In addition, the workplaces are also disinfected on a regular basis every day.
All the efforts over the past two weeks have proven to be worthwhile. We welcomed the birth of the first Escape after resuming production
Government officials of Liangjiang New Area, together with CAF executives, witnessed the first Ford Escape rolling off the assembly line after resuming work. They have highly recognized the comprehensive prevention practices and well-organized operations of CAF plants.