Volvo Cars has announced it is restarting production at the Torslanda plant in Sweden on April 20, following downtime caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision has been taken following a dialogue with labor unions and also involves welcoming back workers to Volvo’s Swedish offices on Monday. According to the automaker, both the plant and offices “have been prepared in recent weeks to be as safe as possible for people to return in a way that safeguards their health.”

Volvo’s aim is to maintain a constant dialogue with all partners and suppliers to secure continued production amid ongoing disruptions in the supply chain. The company says production volumes at the Torslanda plant will be adjusted to meet current demand as well as existing order books.

Read Also: Volvo Shutting Down Swedish And U.S. Production Until April 14

“We have a responsibility towards our employees and our suppliers to restart operations now that the situation allows it,” said Volvo Cars CEO Håkan Samuelsson. “The best thing we can do to help society is to find ways to restart the company in a safe way, thereby safeguarding people’s health and their jobs,” he added.

All facilities have been cleaned extensively, while sanitation and cleaning routines have been intensified before the return of staff on Monday. Furthermore, voluntary temperature and pulse oximeter checks will be offered at main entrances.

The layout of all meeting rooms, office spaces and restaurants has been adjusted where necessary to allow for social distancing. Where social distancing is not possible, Volvo has put in place other protective measures.

Volvo’s engine plant in Skövde and the body component manufacturing site in Olofström (both in Sweden) will continue to plan their production on a weekly basis, according to needs in the other plants. 

Another Volvo Cars plant to reopen on April 20 is the one in Ghent, Belgium. However, the facility will have a reduced production output. The carmaker also plans to reopen its South Carolina plant in the United States on May 11.  

As for its office workers in other markets, they will continue to follow local guidelines. However, “Volvo Cars health and safety officials hope that learnings from the Swedish facilities can be implemented elsewhere as well.”