Bentley Resumes Production of All Models | Bentley
Bentley
Bentley Resumes Production of All Models
Bentley Motors announced on May 11 that over 1,700 employees returned to the factory that day, and production began in phases. The production lines for the Bentayga and Mulsanne were activated, and the Continental GT and Flying Spur production lines are set to join the following week.
All Production Staff Expected Back by Mid-June
To enable the safe return of employees for this production restart, 250 new hygiene measures and social distancing training were implemented. Employees maintain a distance of two meters, with one-way traffic flow and revised restroom access to limit the number of users. The on-site restrooms have been redesigned to reduce occupancy.
For the first few weeks, production started at 50% capacity, taking twice as long. Each production cell was split into two stages instead of one. Face masks are mandatory for all employees, and staff conduct temperature checks.
Personal protective equipment, including face masks, gloves, and goggles, is provided as needed and also donated to local care centers. Cleaning routines have been enhanced. In office areas and catering facilities where distancing is difficult, plastic partitions made by the company's employees are used. Management measures include limiting occupancy, staggered shifts, and spaced seating. Entry and exit points within the facility have also been reviewed to disperse foot traffic and manage population density.
The remaining over 500 production staff are scheduled to return by mid-June, based on current infection projections and government guidance.
During the shutdown, information about post-return changes was shared with all employees through internal newsletters, video tutorials, and a newly created employee news app to alleviate concerns and ensure full understanding.
These efforts have advanced the company's 'Come Back Stronger' program, strengthening its production capabilities more than ever in its 100-year history.
Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO, commented: 'This is a crucial time for the business to return stronger. With the extensive new measures in place, I am confident that being at Bentley is as safe as being anywhere else. We also have a strong order bank, with some customers ordering vehicles up to eight months in advance. To ensure we can manage this continued demand, we will ramp up production in a safe and considered way, and despite this interruption, we continue our journey to lead sustainable luxury mobility into the future.'
