JCB to halt production at Wrexham site as demand falls because of coronavirus

JCB will halt production at all of its manufacturing plants, including its Wrexham site, due to ''unprecedented reduction'' in demand following the outbreak of coronavirus.

The construction equipment manufacturer will halt production for the rest of this week and next week at its nine manufacturing plants in Wrexham, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire.

The JCB Transmissions site in Wales employs around 400 workers.

JCB CEO, Graeme Macdonald, said the move was ''absolutely necessary'' to protect the business and health implications. He cancelled orders and deferred deliveries has affected the company.

JCB said the move was ''absolutely necessary'' to protect the business. Credit: PA

Shop floor employees affected by the move will be paid in full during this period. Office staff will continue to work a 39-hour week, with many working from home, in support of the Government’s social distancing policy.

However, no decision has yet been taken on what will happen beyond March 20.

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