Koyo Bearings in Cairo is back up and running as of Monday after being closed for nearly two weeks for disinfection after at least three associates tested positive for COVID-19.
“The plant is running at 40 percent capacity this week to fulfill orders for customers deemed essential by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” states Tyra Sitton, spokeswoman for Koyo. “The plant is projecting order volumes to increase as many automotive customers plan to return to work in the next few weeks.”
Although they are returning to work, there will be changes going forward. Associates are having their temperature checked at the gate, Sitton says, and those allowed inside the plant are provided masks.
Other new steps the plant has implemented include increased frequency of cleaning at all employee entrances, exits and common areas, placement of sanitizing stations around the plant, and addition of signage reminding associates of C.D.C. guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Social distancing measures now taking place at the plant, Sitton says, include staggered schedules for breaks and lunches and changes to increase space for any areas of potential congregation. She also says there’s frequent communication to all plant associates from the plant management.
Koyo Bearings closed April 6 after plant manager Scott Cline learned of the first associate testing positive for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. A third party was brought in to clean and sanitize the plant, Sitton states.
Koyo Bearings produces bearings for automotive and industrial use.
