- Nissan plans a phased restart of its U.S. manufacturing operations beginning June 1
- The company releases its Safe Start-Up Playbook to guide manufacturing employees on new health and safety protocols for the workplace
- Nissan employs more than 14,000 men and women across its U.S. manufacturing footprint
NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nissan will carry out a phased restart of its U.S. manufacturing operations beginning in early June. The company’s vehicle assembly plant in Canton, Miss. and powertrain plant in Decherd, Tenn. plan to resume production on June 1, followed by its Smyrna, Tenn. vehicle assembly plant on June 8. The INFINITI Decherd Powertrain Plant resumed limited production on May 1.
“We have planned our manufacturing restart with care, mindful that the impact of COVID-19 continues," said Steve Marsh, senior vice president, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing, Nissan North America, Inc. “The process will be gradual. Our first priority is to implement thorough protocols so employees are confident the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure their safety in the workplace.”
Nissan has created a comprehensive playbook — Safe Start-Up — to guide employees on the new health and safety protocols. Safe Start-Up includes best practices and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other government agencies. Some of the safety protocols include:
- Daily health self-certifications for all employees and visitors. Employees or visitors who indicate they may have symptoms or may have been exposed to COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter any Nissan worksite.
- Modifications to workstations, staggered shift and break times, and minimal job rotations, to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
- Disbursement of additional personal protective equipment, including face shields and masks.
- Enhanced disinfection protocols for workstations, common areas and shared tools.
Production shift patterns also will be adjusted as necessary to support the phased restart plan and match production with current market demand.
"As production increases, we will continue to assess and implement the necessary controls in line with any updated guidelines from government agencies and feedback from employees,” Marsh said.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and INFINITI vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infinitiusa.com, or visit the U.S. media sites nissannews.com and infinitinews.com.
Media Contact:
Lloryn Love-Carter
Corporate Communications
(615) 604-4326
Lloryn.Love-Carter@nissan-usa.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b9eccab4-33bf-42ea-9c28-8e125435698a