Hyster Europe (www.hyster.com) says that its sites at Craigavon in Northern Ireland, Masate in Italy and Nijmegen in the Netherlands have all re-opened and have been re-organised with social distancing measures.

Company vice-president Wim van Dam said: “In recent months, our workforce has adapted to a ‘new normal’ — telecommuting and working in line with social distancing guidelines.

“Working together during this time has enabled us to find opportunities to combine our new ways of working with the ability to service the market and its demands.”

To make it possible to resume production operations, Hyster has worked closely with suppliers to minimise disruption to the supply chain, with processes in place so that suppliers can work in a safe way during the current circumstances, while still meeting supply requirements for the Hyster factories.

Hyster says that as the pandemic continues to evolve in different countries, the company will continue to adjust its processes and policies to protect its team while meeting the needs of customers.

The company has planned a phased approach for its wider team to return to work; this will vary, depending on government mandates, location, business needs, and health and safety.