In the backdrop of rising Covid-19 cases in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Royal Enfield has decided to close its three manufacturing plants for three days. According to an internal note of the company, the step has been taken to ensure safety. The factories of the Indian multinational motorcycle manufacturing company will remain closed from May 27 to May 29.
It is to be noted that all three plants of the company are located in and around Chennai. “We will resume operation from Monday, 31st May” the internal note signed by Enfield’s Chief Operating Officer B Govindarajan said. The move is a significant development in India’s motorbike market where Royal Enfield is a popular and renowned brand. It enjoys the status of being the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production in the world. “The above days shall be compensated later as per market needs” the company also clarified in the note.
The company which is a subsidiary of Eicher Motors Limited was forced to shut these plants earlier as well from May 13 to May 15.
The coronavirus situation in the state of Tamil Nadu remains grim with the state witnessing a steady rise in cases since the start of the month. The state recorded about 34 thousand cases and 468 deaths on Tuesday. In response, the state govt headed by Chief Minister MK Stalin imposed a complete two-week lockdown on May 10, with exceptions given only to essential services and ‘continuous process industries’.