UPDATE @ 4:35 p.m.:
Although the American Honda Parts Operations in Troy are open, the company says they are employing social distancing practices at their facilities.
Staggering lunches, reducing the number and size of meetings, offering the opportunity to work remotely when possible and more frequent sanitation efforts are all things the facility listed as things they are doing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, according to a release.
Honda states that they instituted screen measures at their facilities for visitors and enacted a temporary paid personal leave of absence option in place for employees impacted by the virus.
The paid leave plan includes an option to use personal paid leave to ensure childcare for children under 12 or dependents with special needs.
INITIAL REPORT:
Honda plants in North America, including all plants in Ohio, will shut down for six days starting next week, due to "anticipated decline in market demand" related to the coronavirus pandemic, the company announced Wednesday.
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The impacted plants in Ohio include the Marysville Auto Plant and engine plant in Anna. The distribution center in Troy is not a part of the production halt.
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Production will be suspended starting March 23, with plans to resume operations March 31, the company said in the online statement.
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The halt will impact around 27,600 employees, however they will be paid in full during the production halt, Honda said.
“As the market impact of the fast-changing COVID-19 situation evolves, Honda will continue to evaluate conditions and make additional adjustments as necessary. In undertaking this production adjustment, Honda is continuing to manage its business carefully through a measured approach to sales that aligns production with market demand,” the company’s statement said.
Honda estimates they will reduce production by approximately 40,000 vehicles during the six days.
Facilities and common areas will be cleaned during the six day period. Honda also encourages employees to better prepare and adjust family plans during the production halt related to closed schools and child care needs.
We’ll continue to update this story as details become available.
