Plaxton in Scarborough to suspend production during coronavirus lockdown as other factories stay open

The Alexander Dennis Plaxton coachbuilding factory is ceasing production this evening (Weds March 25) apart from its “essential work”.

A spokesman for the company said: “The wellbeing of our team members and their families is our top priority.

“Since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, we have implemented the UK Government’s guidance in addition to our own precautionary measures.”

Measures introduced at the Eastfield site have included intensive cleaning of communal areas, additional hand sanitiser, minimising larger gatherings by staggering breaks, limiting in person meetings and non-essential travel, working from home where possible, and social distancing.

Following the statement from Boris Johnson on Monday evening, the firm decided to suspend production at all its UK manufacturing facilities.

The spokesman added: “We believe that this orderly idling of our facilities is the most appropriate measure to take following Government advice, and the best way to prepare our business for a quick and efficient restart to full production at the appropriate time.

“The exception to this is ‘essential work’, examples of which include specific roles in our aftermarket and service functions which ensure our customers can continue to deliver bus services for key workers across the country, in addition to specific project work and responding to urgent customer requirements.

“We live in extremely uncertain times with the spread of Covid-19 impacting on every facet of our lives.

The public transport systems is the spinal cord of every major town and city, and we at ADL play a vital part in providing the vehicles and support needed to keep these towns and cities moving.”

Some other factories around the town are remaining open, but say they are making changes to ensure the health and safety of their workers.

Staff at McCain are playing a vital role in maintaining food supplies..

A spokeswoman said: “Those working in food production have been classified by the Government as key workers.

“Our staff have been asked to work from home where they can but there are some roles, such as those in our factories, where that is not possible.

“We have put in place additional measures to ensure the health and safety of our factory teams and will be supporting any of our people who are isolating throughout their time at home.”

Any person entering the factory is required to wear personal protective equipment.

A statement from Severfield, which has a factory in Sherburn, said: “With the Covid-19 pandemic causing us all significant disruption in what is a very fast-changing environment, we are doing everything we can to ensure that we are able to respond to the extensive challenges currently facing us.”

“All employees who are able to work from home are now doing so, and in addition to this, following the recent Government announcement, we are taking all necessary steps to protect our staff.”

The company’s sites are remaining open but it will closely monitor developments over the coming days and weeks.

UPM Raflatac, which produces label materials, is also remaining open.

A spokesman said: “We continue to operate in full accordance with Government guidelines and have taken many steps to ensure the health and well-being of our employees.

"These include increased cleanings of our facilities, increased personal hygiene measures on site, a restriction on work travel, and requiring employees non-essential to production to work from home.”