COVID-19 is causing more temporary closures in the area.
Listowel Technologies Incorporated (LTI) will be shutting down for a one-week production halt next week.
Vice President Cory McKee sai LTI has one customer they supply, and that customer has instituted the shutdown.
"So our only customer is Honda, and Honda North America has decided to halt production for six days. That will start on Monday the 23rd, until Monday, March 30," said McKee.
McKee added Honda has stated the closure is because of high inventory levels and not directly related to concerns over COVID-19. LTI is aware that the COVID-19 situation is causing rapid changes of plan for many businesses, and they have discussed what a potential extension of the shutdown may look like if it goes beyond a week.
Plant Manager Neil Anstett said during the shutdown, some salaried staff will remain on-site.
"I mean as things develop obviously we're going to have to reevaluate. But as of right now, I would say the support departments will be here, so human resources and departments that are related to keeping in contact with our customers and suppliers," said Anstett.
Anstett said if the shutdown is extended, they will communicate that to employees immediately. The plant has ramped up cleaning and sanitation efforts already and encouraged any employees with symptoms or illnesses to self isolate for 14 days.