Automobile production got underway again in Portugal at AutoEuropa, an automotive assembly plant of Volkswagen Group. It’s the first car producer to restart work in Portugal after a hiatus of more than a month. Autoeuropa, the largest facility of its kind in Portugal, the return to pre-pandemic normality will take time to get back to full capacity. Before the coronavirus, cars were constantly rolling off the line from Monday to Friday, while there were an additional two shifts on the weekends. For the moment, there will be just two shifts per day on weekdays, with two sets of 2,300 workers coming to the plant on alternating weeks.
Inside, they’ll be given two protective masks (and some protective visors), while all handling operations must be done with gloves. Workers will receive served meals at their workstation until more canteens are set up. The second stage of Autoeuropa’s return will begin May 13, when three work shifts will operate on weekdays. By mid-June, management hopes to have the factory putting out 890 cars per day.
