With the second wave hitting the country, and various state governments having announced lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, carmakers in Maharashtra are working with a limited number of employees to maintain business and process continuity. Moreover, companies have also begun vaccination of eligible employees over 45 years in age.
A spokesperson at India’s largest luxury car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz said, “Honouring and complying with the notification issued by the Government of Maharashtra, Mercedes-Benz India will be operating its manufacturing facility with reduced capacity and limited workforce, which is required for its process continuity and within the framework of the guidelines issued by the government. The company continues to strictly adhere to all the mandated health and safety measures.”
Maharashtra, which is the worst affected state recording the highest number of COVID cases in recent times, contributes about 35% of the overall value of the supply chain.
Home-grown automakers Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are also working with skeletal staff to maintain supplies, and have started vaccinating eligible employees.
In a press statement, Tata Motors said, “We are running operations at its Pune plant in strict compliance with the guidelines mentioned in the ‘Break the Chain’ order of the Maharashtra government. A limited number of employees are attending duties adhering to all safety protocols, distancing norms and hygiene standards. Our medical teams have also begun vaccination drives in our plants by collaborating with local health authorities, for our eligible employees of age 45 years and above.”
“The well-being and safety of our associates is our biggest priority,” said Rajeshwar Tripathi, Chief Human Resources Officer, Automotive and Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra.
The company said its plants are operational with lower levels of manning. They are following strict adherence to social distancing, hygiene protocols and safety, including compulsory testing for COVID at the plant and maintaining high standards of safety for its associates. These are in accordance with the ‘Break the Chain’ guidelines shared by the Maharashtra government, said the company, whose offices in Maharashtra remain closed.
“To further facilitate this on priority, we have partnered with hospitals at various locations. So far, more than 90% of our eligible workforce, including temporary and contractual associates above the age of 45 years, has been vaccinated. We have also established company maintained quarantine centres for our associates at hotspots like Mumbai and Pune and we are providing for complete medical assistance where required, in collaboration with hospitals at all locations,” Rajeshwar Tripathi added.