Nordex and LM Wind Power have reopened factories across Spain after non-essential work was paused due to the country’s coronavirus crisis.
Nordex said it began reopening its factories in Barasoain, Vall d’Uixò and Lumbier in Spain in early April after temporarily closing them “as a result of the increasingly stringent governmental containment measures” on 30 March.
Nordex has also confirmed it reopened its Indian production facilities in Chennai on 6 April. The German wind manufacturer added that some of its factories were only operating with limited capacity.
LM Wind Power said it had reopened operations at its Ponferrada plant on Friday and at Castellon on Monday after the territorial labour office gave the company’s safety plan the green light.
A spokesperson said: “Over the past weeks, we have worked on a plan to ensure the safety of the work conditions at the site, which is our number one priority.”
She said that the situation with the coronavirus pandemic was constantly evolving, and that the company would adapt its plans as needed, adding: “We thank all our employees and our suppliers for their dedication and willingness to do the work they do to help keep the electricity grid stable.”
LM Wind Power says it has exempted at risk groups from attending work without reducing their salary and has voluntary temperature checks in place at facility entrances.
The Danish rotor blade supplier has also staggered arrival and departure times and put in place other measures to ensure social distancing.
Staff already wear protective clothing and masks beyond official requirements and the company has encouraged staff to wear work clothes from home to avoid use of dressing rooms. Cleaning has also been reinforced.