Bentley Motors resumed phased operations last May 11 after weeks of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The storied headquarters in Crewe, England returned to producing ultra-luxurious cars, and eventually eased into full manufacturing operations by May 18.

The company implemented the “Come Back Stronger” program in complying with the “new normal”, marking a monumental shift in the daily lives of all their employees. It comprises a set of around 250 comprehensive and wide-ranging new hygiene and social distancing measures focusing on seven key areas designed to protect all people inside the factory. This is the biggest work transition in the company’s 100-year history which employs over 4,000 people in their Crewe facility.

Through the program, Bentley is now enforcing an enhanced cleaning routine, compulsory wearing of face masks and other personal protection equipment in all factory and office areas, regular health temperature checks for staff, and clear guidance on limiting the risk of infection on areas such as meeting governance, site access, and travel. As every Bentley is hand-built, the manufacturing facility is reconstructed to allow for a two-meter distance between workers, one-way movement paths, and traffic flows.

Catering facilities have limit capacities while office-based staff has a newly introduced shift-pattern as all employees essential to the facility have a return-to-work guide via Bentley Employee News app. The company has a reconfigured entry and exit points as it is adamant on controlling the population density on-site by imposing proper social distancing and other defenses such as plastic separation screens in office areas. Work-from-home arrangements are also available.

Bentley Motors Chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark stated that “ Everybody will be able to play their part to ensure we can continue Bentley’s extraordinary journey into the future of luxury, sustainable mobility.”

The company has provided over 30,000 3D-printed face shields to the Cheshire care sector, personal protective equipment, and extending its “Meals on 22-inch Wheels” service that delivers essential items. Bentley declared that even with the restart of facility operations, they will continue to give aid to numerous crisis efforts and the local community.