Navistar resumes operations on main line at plant in region

Production resumed on the main line for Navistar’s Springfield plant on Monday, a move that brought back hundreds of workers who were previously laid off.

At least 700 workers were called back to the Springfield plant as its main line — which builds medium-duty commer- cial trucks, including those for General Motors — went back on line, said Chris Blizard, the president of UAW Local 402.

His union represents assem- bly production workers at the plant as well as those in skilled trades. Blizard said about 700 of those members were called back to work. However, he did not have information regard- ing the exact number of work- ers called back to the plant.

Production was temporar- ily suspended at the plant in March due to “disruptions in the supply chain,” according to a news release from Navistar in the beginning of April. The stoppage was originally expected to last until the end of April as the supply chain continued to be interrupted, the release added.

However, it was extended into May, said Blizard, with the plant’s main line to resume first and its line two to resume later in the month.

Blizard said that he expects production to resume on line two, which builds cutaway vans for GM, on May 26.

Blizard said workers are required to wear face coverings that covers their nose and mouth as well as other types of personal protective equipment amid the COVID19 pandemic.

Those who enter the facility are also required to have their temperature taken. He added that the company is also implementing social distanc- ing guidelines were possible.

In addition, GM has been targeting May 18 as a general restart date for a variety of facilities.

All Ohio Honda employ- ees were scheduled to report to work this week beginning Monday, according to a spokesman for Honda confirmed Friday. The company is gradually restarting its plants in the U.S. and Canada.

With about 14,000 employees statewide, Honda is one of the Dayton and Spring- field area’s largest employers.

While some employees will continue to work from home, Honda emphasized that it will take certain safety measures, including scanning the temperature of all employees, suppliers, contractors and visitors.

No one with a tempera- ture of 100 or higher will be permitted in a Honda facility.

Workers will also use masks and face coverings inside all buildings except when eating or drinking. Honda said plants and offices will provide one new mask per day for every employee.

Honda said it will also require associates to wear face shields in certain areas of the manufacturing plants as an added precaution.

Shift starts will be staggered, as will lunch and break times, to cut down on crowding.

Staff Writer Tom Gnau contributed to this report.