After weeks under lockdown, Italy’s automotive manufacturing sector takes its first steps to recovery

FCA’s Sevel plant has begun operations again, emerging from the long suspension brought about by Italy’s stringent coronavirus lockdown.

Today marked the return to work of more than 6,000 employees to the light-commercial vehicle plant in Atessa, southeast Italy. The factory produces LCVs such as Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper.

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The resumption of operations at Sevel, as well as the R&D activities and pre-series production of electric and hybrid models in Turin and Melfi, follows rigorous analysis and preparation. FCA has worked alongside trade unions as well as Italian national and regional governments and the scientific agencies supporting the effort in the coronavirus crisis.

Each employee was supplied with a health protection kit, comprising surgical masks and gloves, replenished daily. Production areas have also been reconfigured to enable increased distancing. Over 600 points around the factory are supplied with disinfectant materials for workers to clean equipment they have used on shift.

Among the other health protection measures, over 300,000 m2 of workshop floor has been sanitised; around 130 dispensers of hand sanitiser have been installed and information has been posted across 15 large billboards and 25 video monitors, supported by the distribution of over 6,000 information brochures. Twelve body-temperature monitoring cameras have been installed at the plant entrances.

FCA Sevel’s domestic suppliers in Cassino, Pomigliano, Termoli and Mirafiori have resumed component production.