COVID-19: Honda is Reopening Plants Today

Honda, which closed its North American assembly plants on March 23, is gradually resuming production today.

The announcement affects all automobile, engine and transmission facilities in the U.S. and Canada including those in Alliston, Ontario which build the Honda Civic and CR-V along with 2.0-litre engines.

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Most plants are using the first day to ensure that front-line leaders are trained on new procedures and activities related to COVID-19 prevention. Afterwards, it will be employees’ turn to learn about the new safety measures and re-train on work processes to shake off the rust after the period of suspended production. 

Anyone entering the facilities will undergo a temperature scan and be required to wear a face mask at all times (one new mask per day for every employee will be provided). In certain areas, face shields will be needed as an added precaution.

Naturally, Honda has increased cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing activities throughout its operations, while several measures aim to ensure social distancing. These include staggered shift start times and lunch times, adjusted processes and workstations on the production line along with increased signage everywhere.

As reported last week, General Motors is also resuming production today with the St. Catharines, Ontario plant. Most of its other facilities across North America will follow on May 18. Same thing at Ford.