REHAU UK to resume manufacturing at its Blaenau site

REHAU UK has confirmed that it has begun a phased return to work at its Blaenau Ffestiniog windows profile manufacturing site.

The facility ceased production on 26th March as a result of the UK Government’s lockdown, with only essential employees, such as security, on the site. In the initial stages, the return-to-work will involve a reduced number of employees on site to meet the current customer demand. At the same time as ensuring, the continuation of social distancing measures and maximum employee safety.

Martin Hitchin, Chief Executive of REHAU UK Ltd, commented: “The first tranche of employees returned to work on Monday 1^st June. This decision was taken after extensive consultation between the UK management team, health and safety experts and our employees - and only after a full risk assessment and ‘return-to-work’ plan was devised and implemented.”

He continued: “Our over-riding priority is the safety of everyone on the site. We believe, with our Safe Site plan in place, it will be safe to begin a phased return-to-work, but we intend to closely monitor the health and well-being of our employees during this process.”

Specifically, REHAU UK is providing a return-to-work policy for every employee along with a Safe Site working booklet. In addition, employees are being advised not to car share to work.

Once on site, REHAU UK has implemented the following safety measures for all employees:

• A full risk assessment has been conducted throughout the site
• Safe Site working guidance and procedures have been issued to all colleagues
• Visible signage at all entrances to remind employees of restrictions on the site
• Temperature recording of each employee upon arrival each day
• A Safe Site induction on the first day for each returning employee
• One-way system into and around the building
• Limits on the numbers of people in any specific area at any one time
• Two-metre physical distancing within the plant and face masks to be worn at all times.
• Handwashing and sanitising to be encouraged throughout the day
• Cleaning operatives on duty all day for the continual cleaning of surfaces and facilities
• All machinery and equipment cleaned and sanitised after use

Mr Hitchin concluded: “We’ve had a very good response to our plans from customers, suppliers and, most importantly, employees who are, in the main, keen to get back to work and resume their normal working lives.”