Aston Martin to reopen St Athan factory next month

Luxury car-maker Aston Martin is to reopen its St Athan factory on 3rd May after the coronavirus-led the company to suspend production at the site.

The company announced that it will follow guidelines from Public Health Wales so it can protect its workforce.

It said it will take "learnings in terms of health and safety" into account when it reopens its main car plant in Gaydon, Warwickshire, at a later date.

Both sites have been closed since 25th March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The company, known for making James Bond's cars of choice, employs around 300 in St Athan and 500 staff in Gaydon.

The majority of its employees have been furloughed.

Production staff are being paid as normal, but those who continue to be furloughed from May 1 will receive 80% of their base salaries from then.

Prince Charles during a visit to the St Athan factory in February 2020. Credit: PA

Many car factories across the UK are closed due to coronavirus.

The pandemic has come after a dire year for Aston Martin, which announced losses of £104.3 million in 2019.

It had already warned that sports car wholesales were expected to be "materially lower" in 2020.