VWSA resumes manufacturing operations
After a gradual ramp-up of its local production, the Volkswagen Group SA (VWSA) plant in Uitenhage has now resumed its manufacturing operations.
In line with the level 4 regulations, VWSA production was restarted on May 4, with essential employees returning to work in a phased approach.
The company has since started exporting Polos to various markets, in addition to manufacturing Polos and Vivos for the local market. Onsite employees are supported by colleagues who continue to work from home where this is possible.
Before the ramp-up of production, a number of measures to combat Covid-19 were put in place at all VWSA sites. These measures form part of a 100-point plan implemented across the Volkswagen Group to ensure the health and safety of employees. The plant’s on-site wellness centre has been equipped and its staff continues to consult with high-risk employees to ensure their wellbeing is prioritised.
Upon their return to work, employees were informed of the new protocols through employee orientation sessions, a detailed booklet and extensive signage installed at all sites and areas. Returning employees were informed about hygiene and physical distancing practices that can further protect them.
The company also provided each employee with a set of masks, and over 20 tonnes of hand sanitiser have been sourced for all VWSA sites.
Jens Bruecker, production director at VWSA, said the plant’s essential services team ensured that the workplace was Covid-19 compliant before officially restarting production in Uitenhage.
“Our 100-point plan is designed to ensure that all employees feel safe and good about their workplace, so we can manufacture and deliver vehicles without compromising our commitment to the wellbeing of our employees,” Bruecker said.
Mike Glendinning, VWSA’s sales and marketing director, said with dealerships being allowed to reopen on a phased basis, VWSA will again be able to meet the needs of its local customer base.
“Our team has worked remotely during the lockdown to support dealerships in preparing to reopen, and to assist customers.
“In addition, VW commercial vehicle dealerships remained open over the lockdown period to service vehicles for essential services. We look forward to welcoming our customers back to the dealerships.”
VWSA’s chairman and MD, Thomas Schaefer, thanked Naamsa for its assistance in lobbying the government for the automotive industry to be allowed to reopen.
“The automotive industry has a crucial role to play in the local and national economy,” Schaefer said.
“We are grateful that this role was acknowledged with the decision to let the industry operate and trade again.
“In many aspects, the Covid-19 crisis has eclipsed our daily lives. As such, it must be our main priority at VWSA to act responsibly in every aspect of our business — and this includes, first and foremost, to ensure that our employees can work without risking their health.”