By Agency Report
Boeing will suspend production at its Ridley Township facilities near Philadelphia to reduce the risks posed by the worsening COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement on 2 April, the company announced it would ‘suspend operations beginning at the end of the day on Friday, April 3. The site includes manufacturing and production facilities for military rotorcraft, including the CH-47D Chinook, V-22 Osprey and MH-139A Grey Wolf’.
The shutdown will last two weeks with production set to resume on 20 April.
Steve Parker, Vertical Lift VP and General Manager supported the decision stating that: ‘Suspending operations at our vital military rotorcraft facilities is a serious step, but a necessary one for the health and safety of our employees and their communities.’
Across the Philadelphia area, Boeing employees who are able to work from home will do so whilst those who cannot will be paid leave for 10 days – double the company’s usual allowance.
