Brussels,
15
April
2020
|
20:49
Europe/Amsterdam

Toyota Motor Europe to gradually restart operations at its plants in France and Poland

Focus is on securing Health & Safety protocols effectiveness whilst volume is kept low to facilitate the familiarisation with the new work environment

  • Health and Safety Committee and the Social and Economic Committee have approved the restart procedures at Toyota’s plant in Valenciennes, France
  • Robust implementation of Health authorities recommendations in addition to internal best practices from Toyota operations in China and Japan
  • One shift operation only – rotating the three shifts of staff for full acceptance of the new Health and Safety procedures
  • In parallel, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) will continue to support the local community with social contributions, started shortly after the outbreak

Brussels, 15 April 2020 – Toyota Motor Europe announces it will gradually restart operations at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF), Valenciennes, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland (TMMP), in Jelcz-Laskowice and Walbrzych.

TMMF is home to the production of the compact Toyota Yaris, whilst TMMP produces the related engine and transmission units. TMMF will resume production on limited volume from 22 April, following the suspension of operations since 17 March. Closely linked to TMMF’s operations, TMMP is also preparing for production on reduced volumes, following TMMF demand.

 

Restart at gradual pace

TMMF will resume operations at a gradual pace, initially producing significantly lower volumes compared to normal operations. This cautious approach has been taken with a view to secure the safety and health of our employees and stakeholders, which is our number one priority. TMMF will commence on a single shift from the usual 3-shift strategy, for the first two weeks.

The decision to restart part of our economic activities at some of our European manufacturing operations has been taken in consideration of the national and local governments’ guidance and recommendations, in preparation for deliveries of vehicles ordered by customers. As part of a thorough feasibility study and in consultation with all internal stakeholders represented in the Safety and Health & Social and Economic Committees, the decision to proceed with the restart has received the approval after fully meeting the conditions to do so in a safe manner.

It is understood that the best way to restart is under no volume pressure, with focus on Health and Safety as well as member training/awareness.

With this principle in mind, the gradual and controlled ramp up allows for a proper and smooth management of operations whilst keeping 100% within the sanitary protocols. Plant management will focus on ensuring members are fully aware, and checks will be put in place to guarantee implementation. Additionally, continuous improvements will be made to the current set of standards, as required.

Moving forward, we will continue to base our decisions on the guidance we receive from authorities in each country and region – pursuing our drive to contribute to society through safe employment.

 

Safety and security measures to be implemented

In addition to the basic social distancing guidelines – including marking of specific distances within the facilities floor shop, some of the concrete Health and Safety protocols that will be implemented include:

1/ Members receive a welcome pack that includes a detailed brief on the new sanitary guidelines at the different facilities

2/ Distribution of appropriate number of individual masks and antibacterial gel, in addition to other necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) depending of the type and conditions of their work (e.g. gloves and face shields) – all secured for the restart of the operation from day 1.

3/ Briefings and meetings will be held in smaller groups, respecting the distancing, and reduced in time

4/ Antibacterial gel dispensers will be located at strategic spots

5/ Doors will be kept open, where possible – if not, allow for opening using elbow only will be possible

6/ The restaurant will be closed, members will be asked to bring their own food

7/ Additional cleaning of spaces where people gather, such as cloakroom and break-out rooms

8/ Breaks will be reorganised to respect social distancing

 

TMMF and TMMP social contribution activities

So far, TMMF has donated over 34,000 face masks and 176 pieces of 3D printed face shields to local hospitals. It is also delivers engineering support for ventilators to be used by 2 adults simultaneously.

  TMMF - Social Contribution List 
  Request from Outside Toyota
Date Organisation Response Pieces delivered
18/03 Grand Est region Supply of 10,000 masks 10000pcs
18/03 Valenciennes Hospital Supply of 10,000 masks 10000pcs
19/03 Onnaing Fire brigade Supply of 1,000 masks 1000pcs
20/03 Maubeuge Fire brigade Supply of masks and sanitizers  
25/03 Denain hospital Supply of masks and sanitizers  
24/03 St Saulve hospital Supply of 3,000 masks 3000pcs
18/03 Nord prefecture Supply of 10,000 masks 10000pcs
29/03 Lille and Valenciennes hospitals Engineering support for ventilators for investigation to provide ventilation for 2 adults simultaneously.   
30/03 Valenciennes Hospital Develop face shield with 3D printers 176pcs
30/03 Valenciennes Hospital Develop and produce adapters by 3D printing for pipe cleaning at hospital  10 pcs

The social contribution activities of TMMP include the donation of 4,000 masks, 200 L of disinfecting liquid and 194 pieces of face guards.

  TMMP - Social Contribution List   
  Contribution to Community    
Date Organisation Response Pieces delivered
10/03 Wałbrzych Hospital #2 Supply of hygiene masks & disinfecting liquids

2000pcs

100L

17/03 Oława Hospital  Supply of hygiene masks & disinfecting liquids

2000pcs

100L

01/04 To local hospitals Develop face shield with Laser Printer 194pcs