Boeing is temporarily suspending production operations at its facilities in Ridley Township, Pennsylvania.
The planemaker will suspend operations beginning at the end of day on Friday, 3 April. The location houses manufacture and production facilities for military rotorcraft, including the H-47 Chinook, V-22 Osprey and MH-139A Grey Wolf.
Defence and commercial services work and engineering design activities are also performed at the site.
The suspension will last two weeks, with a return to work on 20 April. During the suspension, Boeing stated it would continue to monitor government guidance and actions on COVID-19 and associated impacts on company operations.
It would also conduct additional deep cleaning activities at buildings across the site and establish rigorous criteria for return to work.
“Suspending operations at our vital military rotorcraft facilities is a serious step, but a necessary one for the health and safety of our employees and their communities,” said Philadelphia site senior executive Steve Parker.
“We’re working closely with government and public health officials in the tri-state region. We’re also in contact with our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders affected by this temporary suspension as we assist in the national effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.”
Boeing staff who are able to work from home will be continuing their roles and those unable to complete the work from home will receive paid leave for the 10 days of work.
When the suspension is lifted, Boeing Philadelphia will restart production with a focus on safety, quality and meeting customer commitments. This is a key step to enabling the recovery of the defence and aerospace sectors, the statement said.
Boeing said, “This action is intended to ensure the wellbeing of employees, their families and local communities, and will include an orderly shutdown consistent with requirements of US and global defence customers.”
Meanwhile, chief executive Dave Calhoun has also outlined voluntary layoff plans for employees to help the manufacturer weather the coronavirus storm, which may also include early retirements.
Boeing will be asking staff to leave in return for compensation that is yet to be announced and is thought to be dependent on any assistance from the US government.
This announcement follows similar actions from Airbus, which had to shut down manufacturing sites in Spain this week.
