The state of the art manufacturing facility located in the district of Ranjangaon has been a joint venture between FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) and Tata Motors, called Fiat India Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. (FIAPL). This facility has been responsible for the production of the Tata Nexon and Jeep Compass SUVs. While the assembly lines at this plant were forced to shut down some time ago due to the ongoing pandemic, the company has finally restarted production of the Compass at this facility.
With limited staff and implementation of a comprehensive program of enhanced safety measures, the company will protect over 3000 direct and indirect employees, their families and surrounding communities from the spread and transmission of COVID-19. Apart from following social distancing, the plant will also undergo frequent disinfection and cleaning to ensure everybody is safe. Moreover, FIAPL employees, as well as all visitors, would be required to complete a Daily Health Declaration, which consists of:
- To have their temperature taken when entering and exiting the facility, as well as before boarding and disembarking transport
- Completing a self-assessment questionnaire, submitted digitally
To further ensure well being of everybody, the company has also appointed a dedicated 50-member task force of employee volunteers or ‘process owners’ who will supervise the following of strict precautionary processes. Also, the company will provide workers with effective medical support both in and outside of the facility along with PPE kits. Finally, comprehensive signage, information boards and a dedicated ambulance equipped with a ventilator and trained driver have also been appointed.
Commenting on the health, hygiene and safety measures, Ravi Gogia – President, FIAPL said, “We have restarted operations with a lean workforce. Our absolute priority is the protection of employees, ensuring we provide them with a work environment that maintains the highest standards of safety, health and hygiene. Our responsibility is to also educate them on a regimen they should follow after work hours so that their families are also protected. “We have also activated our supply chain which is vital to ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Our aim is to gradually step-up with assured supplies and a careful increase in the density of our working population. We hope to reach a regular production schedule as the value chain becomes seamless and it’s safe to do so,” said Mr Gogia. FIAPL will continue to monitor and audit conditions at all facilities, as well as the latest information on COVID-19 from Government and civic authorities, to implement new safeguards and procedures as required.
