Camelon coach builder shuts down factory to comply with coronavirus retrictions

The world-renowned bus builder had been doing its best to remain open, following a strict hygiene and cleaning regime and trying to keep staff from gathering together, but yesterday bosses had a meeting and decided there was no alternative but to close down operations for the time being.

The move came as people had begun criticising ADL, which has around 1000 employees, for remaining open while other non-essential businesses had long since closed their doors.

On Monday, one source stated: “They've told their workers today if they feel unsafe they can go home but they will not be paid for it, otherwise they’re here until Friday.”

However, now the company has decided to halt production at its Glasgow Road facility from the end of today.

An ADL spokesperson said: “The wellbeing of our team members and their families is our top priority. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have implemented the UK Government’s guidance in addition to our own precautionary measures.

“This has included intensive cleaning of communal areas, provision of additional hand sanitiser, minimising larger gatherings by staggering breaks, limiting in-person meetings eliminating non-essential travel, working from home where possible, and social distancing.

“Following the statements made by the UK and Scottish Governments on Monday, we are temporarily suspending production at our UK manufacturing facilities. We believe this orderly idling of our facilities is the most appropriate measure to take following government advice, and the best way to prepare our business for a quick and efficient restart to full production at the appropriate time.

“The process of moving to these new temporary arrangements will be completed by end of business today. The exception to this is ‘essential’ work – examples of which include specific roles in our Aftermarket and Service functions which ensure our customers can continue to deliver bus services for key workers across the country, in addition to specific project work and responding to urgent customer requirements.

“All work will continue to adhere to the government guidelines in place at the time and undertaken from home wherever practically possible. We live in extremely uncertain times with the spread of COVID-19 impacting on every facet of our lives.

“The public transport systems is the spinal cord of every major town and city, and we at ADL play a vital part in providing the vehicles and support needed to keep these towns and cities moving.

“We will weather this unchartered territory, without compromise to the health and safety of our team members, their families, our customers, suppliers and the wider community.”