DAF factories in Europe have resumed production, backed by extensive new measures in the areas of hygiene and social distancing.

Over the past four weeks the factories have introduced new measures in the areas of hygiene and social distancing

The truck firm has three production facilities in Europe; at Eindhoven (the Netherlands), in Westerlo (Belgium) and in Leyland (UK).

The plants have been reopened after four weeks of work on new social distancing measures to enable workers to maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres (2.0 metres in the UK); this has included adapting workstations, separating tasks, alternating routes and modifying work schedules. Cleaning products have also been made widely available while production staff are now also wearing face masks.

Initial production levels will be kept low to monitor employees’ wellbeing and to assess the new processes.

DAF president Harry Wolters said: “For the moment we are less concerned about production figures. Instead, the safety of DAF and Leyland Trucks employees is our number one priority. That’s why the production volume is still relatively low. We will only crank it up when it is safe to do so. We are very glad that we are in a position to supply our customers with trucks again because transport plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of society.”

While the firm had closed production in response to the pandemic, it’s ensured continued provision of service and parts to its customers throughout. For example, all of DAF’s workshops have remained open, with the DAF helpdesk available 24 hours a day.

“Service is part of our DNA,” said Wolters, “we will always be there for our customers. All of the staff at DAF are aware that without transport everything will grind to a halt.”