Hyundai Motor’s Alabama plant (HMMA) said on March 21 that it will extend the suspension of production of vehicles until April 1 in response to the spread of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
HMMA said all employees will be paid regular salaries at the time of the suspension, according to Atlanta's local Korean media News & Post. This factory has about 3,000 employees.
The suspension of Hyundai Motor's plant began when an employee at the engine production line tested positive for the COVID-19. Hyundai Motor's Alabama plant said earlier that it has decided to close by March 22.
The move will force HMMA to suspend operations of its lines for another seven days based on business day and reduce production by about 10,000 units.
“The rapidly spreading Korona19 requires Hyundai to carefully manage its manufacturing plant to adjust production to meet predictable market demand. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation and take appropriate measures,” HMMA said in a statement.
Kia Motors' Georgia plant (KMMG), which has to assemble engines produced by Hyundai Motor, is also expected to be affected.
The KMMG said earlier it will close the plant by March 22, but eventually the plant will have to be closed by April 1.