Yamaha Italy and France Suspend Production Over Coronavirus

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is forcing Yamaha Motor Europe to suspend production temporarily in Italy and France.

Specifically, the Motori Minarelli engine factory in Calderara di Reno, Italy, and the MBK Industrie assembly plant in Saint-Quentin, France, will be offline until at least March 22. Following that date, Yamaha will assess work safety conditions for its employees on a weekly basis.

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Social distancing is becoming one of the most prevalent means of combating the spread of coronavirus, and is especially important in places like Italy, where the spread of the virus has been rampant. France too, as of writing, has registered thousands of cases and has taken strict measures to help level off infection.

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Yamaha Motor Europe is taking steps as well to ensure that the employees aren’t financially disadvantaged as a result of the closures.

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“The health of our employees and our social responsibility are our priorities at this stage, which is why we took the decision to suspend production at these two facilities in the face of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic," Eric de Seynes, president, chief executive officer of Yamaha Motor Europe, said in a company press release. “We also value highly the skills and commitment of a workforce that has shown tremendous loyalty to Yamaha, but now faces an unprecedented situation outside of the workplace. For their peace of mind, we are working to ensure that no employee will lose out financially between now and the return to a stable situation both in Italy and France.”