MILAN – On Saturday, luxury carmaker Ferrari said that it had closed its two plants until March 27 in response to the Italy coronavirus outbreak and an emerging part shortage.
Ferrari is one of the many Italian manufacturers who closed plants or slowed production in response to the coronavirus emergency, threatening to disrupt the struggling automotive industry in Europe.
Ferrari so far ensured continuity of production, as it implemented all the health measures decided by the Italian government at two sites, located in Maranello and in Modena, in the northern Emilia Romagna region.
Ferrari was “now experiencing the first serious supply chain issues, which no longer allow for continued production”.
Premium brakes maker Brembo said it would temporarily close its four Italian plants next week.
All of Ferrari’s non-manufacturing activity will continue regularly, through smart working.
Ferrari shall adopt further measures during the closures period, including sanitising the sites’ areas and no contagion cases were recorded among Ferrari’s workers so far.
Italy agreed a series of measures on Saturday to improve health controls in factories, offices and other workplaces that have been allowed to stay open during the country’s coronavirus lockdown.
Ferrari’s workers will continue to receive their full salary and will not be requested to use their day-off allowance during the closure period, the source said.
Chief Executive Louis Camilleri said Ferrari took the decision to close its plants out of respect for its workers, “for their peace of mind and those of their families”.
Earlier this week carmaker Fiat Chrysler and industrial vehicle maker CNH Industrial said they were temporarily halting operations and slowing production rates at some of their Italian plants to comply with government’s anti-coronavirus requirements.
Tyremaker Pirelli said it was cutting production at its Settimo Torinese plant, near Turin, after a worker tested positive for the coronavirus.
Ferrari said its Formula One team Scuderia Ferrari had also suspended its operational activities.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.