Volkswagen reopens production at its largest car factory in Germany

Volkswagen on Monday has reopened production at its largest factory, in Wolfsburg in Germany after the coronavirus drove it to shut down for the longest period in its 82-year history.

The world’s largest carmaker has made 100 changes to the way its factory operate in a bid to restart business without risking the health of hundreds of thousands of is workers. Its experience underscores the daunting task ahead for manufacturers as they resume work in a world still reeling from the pandemic.

Originally built in 1938 to house workers for Volkswagen’s factories, Wolfsburg is still home to Volkswagen’s headquarters and has produced more than 45 million cars since 1945.

Production started at 10 percent to 15 percent of capacity, the company said in a statement, increasing to around 40 percent the following week. The first vehicle to be produced will be the Golf model, Volkswagen said, asserting that “maximum health protection” has been implemented to protect employees.

Ralf Brandstatter, chief operating officer of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, said in  a statement that “step-by-step resumption of production is an important signal for the workforce, dealerships, suppliers, and the wider economy.”