5-day shutdown at US Volvo trucks plant

The Volvo trucks plant in Dublin, Virginia will shut down for five days from today, in response to concerns over the spread of Covid-19, according to a statement from the company.

Approximately 2,600 workers at the facility will be temporarily laid off by the company.

Mary Beth Halprin, Volvo’s VP Public Affairs & Corporate Affairs, said affected staff will be eligible to seek unemployment pay from the state.

The company said it will use the shutdown period to assess the implementation of social distancing procedures within the facility.

“Although we have no reason to believe we have any cases of Covid-19 in the plant,” said a Volvo spokesperson, “we have decided to temporarily suspend production as part of the effort to slow the spread of the virus in our communities.

“The health and safety of our employees and communities will be our primary concern as we work to make the most informed decisions we can during this uncertain time.”

The Volvo Group recently withdrew its attendance at the ConExpo exhibition in Las Vegas, recalling both its North American and overseas workers to their respective offices.