Bentley Motors is restarting production on May 11, and the factory will be much different.
Bentley announced 250 new hygiene and social distancing measures under a program called "Come Back Stronger." The changes include a manufacturing facility redesign to allow a 6.5-foot distance between workers. Management has also configured one-way movement paths and traffic flows.
Face masks will also be mandatory in all factory and office areas. PPE (face masks, gloves and goggles) will be provided to workers, cleaning routines will be enhanced, and the company will perform temperature checks for staff.
All entry and exit points have been reconfigured to disperse the volume of people, and new control measures will limit capacity in common areas. Office-based colleagues will work in a new shift pattern and behind plastic separation screens.
Full production is scheduled for May 18, with a staggered return for those able to work from home.
The plan marks the biggest change to daily working life in the company’s 100-year history.
Managing population density will be a priority for the factory and headquarters in Crewe, England, where more than 4,000 workers build every Bentley by hand.
The new procedures are outlined in an airline-style instructional video made available to employees.
During the shutdown, Bentley has worked to support the local community. Even though production is resuming, the aid will continue as the need is ongoing. The company has 3D-printed more than 30,000 face shields for healthcare professionals. The company will continue to donate PPE and offer the Bentley "Meals on 22-Inch Wheels" service, where colleagues volunteer to deliver essential items in the community.
