(Reuters) - Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday said the state’s factories can reopen on May 11, removing one of the last major obstacles to North American automakers bringing thousands of laid-off employees back to work amid the coronavirus pandemic.
While reopening the manufacturing sector, Whitmer also extended her state’s stay-at-home order by about two weeks to May 28, citing a desire to avoid a second wave of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
“It’s a major step forward ... to re-engage our economy safely and responsibly,” she said at a news conference. “Manufacturing is an important part of our economy.”
This week, General Motors Co (GM.N) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA) (FCHA.MI) (FCAU.N) had said they were targeting resuming vehicle production in North America on May 18, but suppliers would need time to prepare ahead for that date. Ford Motor Co (F.N) said Thursday it is targeting that day too.
The governor previously extended the state’s coronavirus stay-at-home order through May 15, but had lifted restrictions for some businesses. Neighboring Ohio had allowed manufacturing to resume on Monday, putting pressure on Whitmer to follow suit.
Michigan’s shutdown had stymied efforts by the Detroit Three and rival automakers to restart vehicle assembly anywhere in the United States, because so many critical parts suppliers are based in the state.
Last week when outlining the safety measures it will institute, Ford highlighted that the auto sector accounts for 6% of U.S. economic output. More than 835,000 U.S. workers are
