Subaru Extends Production Shutdown At Indiana Plant To May Over Low US Demand - Reports

WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 15th April, 2020) The Japanese automaker Subaru has extended its production shutdown because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic at its factory in Lafayette, Indiana into May, media reports said on Tuesday.

The shutdown, initially announced on March 23, was to have ended on April 17, but will now be extended at least until May 8, Inside Indiana business reported.

Production is now scheduled to resume three days later on May 11, the report said.

The shutdown will continue because of declining market demand and supply chain issues caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the report added.

The production facility employs some 6,000 people.

Subaru paid hourly workers full wages for the first three weeks of the shutdown, but a full furlough became effective this week. Hourly employees are still receiving their health insurance and related benefits, according to the release.