COVID-19: Ashok Leyland’s all plants start humming again
Published On May 13, 2020
The Chennai based truck maker announced the start of production across all plants in the country after necessary permission from authorities. The firm plans to ramp-up production over the next few weeks.
In what could be a huge relief, the second-largest commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland today resumed operations across all its plants in the country. The company is among the first automakers to reopened all plants spread across many states in the country. Market leader Tata Motors is also expected to start production, and an announcement is due shortly. VE Commercial Vehicles, BharatBenz and Isuzu Motors India are among the truck makers already started production.
Speaking on the company’s start of production, Vipin Sondhi, MD and CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “With the relaxation of the lockdown, we have resumed operations in all our plants across the country, after obtaining necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. In accordance with the stated guidelines as given by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the relevant local authorities, we shall be ensuring all the necessary health and safety protocols in our facilities, for all stakeholders.
“We will gradually ramp up production across facilities after taking into consideration the Work in Progress (WIP) that were on hold at the time of announcement of lock-down, the supply chain readiness after opening and most importantly the preparedness of the ancillary units to supply us critical components, for sustained production of vehicles”, further added Sondhi.
CV Industry to gain from the stimulus
Praising the government for the swift action in initiating a comprehensive relief package to industries to overcome the COVID-19 challenges, Ashok Leyland believes this package will help lift the spirit of the country, encourage small businesses to reopen and industries to get back to normal.
As the stimulus aims to revive the economy, the CV industry will be likely to be the biggest beneficiaries among other sectors.
“While we await the details, the announcement of reforms-cum-stimulus to the tune of 10% of GDP, amounting to Rs 20 Lakh Crores has the potential to be sustainably beneficial to all sectors of the economy. Industry and in particular the CV industry will stand to gain as well as the economy starts to move again”, said Sondhi.
The massive thrust on self-reliance, along with the focus on creating local demand, and resurrecting local supply chains should provide enough impetus to kick start the economy. All these measures are the need of the hour and frankly more than expected given the limited fiscal room that was available.
“With the pride of Make in India through quality, we look forward to a stronger, self-reliant India where everyone prospers”, added Sondhi
While, after a month and half of shut-down, getting back to normal is easier said than done. Yet, companies now look towards restoring business activities to get back to where they were exactly two months ago.
Also Read: COVID-19: Ashok Leyland develops modern ventilator for COVID patient, to start mass production