Pirelli hit by Covid-19; slows down production in Italy

Italian tyre maker Pirelli has become the latest “victim” of Covid-19. It says that an employee at its Settimo Torinese factory has been confirmed by healthcare authorities of having tested positive for Covid-19.

To safeguard the other employees, Pirelli says it has adopted all the precautionary measures as foreseen in the recommendations and requirements of the government decrees issued to date. Given this situation, the company has decided to slow down production, with a progressive recovery in the coming days.

It said, “This will permit the factory to operate with a very limited number of employees and guarantee maximum safety in health conditions. In the meantime, Pirelli is proceeding with the complete sanitisation of the plant and work areas. The supply to clients will continue with a suitable level of service drawing on available stock.”

Meanwhile, with the complete lockdown of the country by the Italian government, Pirelli says it has taken immediate steps to facilitate the continuity of all its business activities.

It added, “There are no impacts on production activities.” The Italian market accounts for 5.8% of the Pirelli group’s total revenues and car tyre production in Italy represents 7.5% of the group’s total. There are 3,247 employees in Italy.

Apart from a plant in Settimo Torinese, it also operates in Bollate.

The company adds, “Road transportation is allowed to and from “reinforced containment” areas and therefore we do not foresee the provisions issued having significant impacts on the transportation of goods.”

All other Pirelli operations in the world are fully operational and also the situation in China is quickly returning to normal.