In a contrarian gesture suggesting that its Russian supremo is made of sterner stuff than the people running some of his competitors, MV Agusta has decided to keep the brand’s Varese plant operational, despite the Lombardy region in which it is situated being one of the hardest hit by Italy’s Covid-19 outbreak.
This decision was agreed with workforce representatives, and the factory will operate in full compliance with Italian government restrictions and quarantine requirements concerning the pandemic. However, staffing levels will be reduced, with measures put in place to prevent and contain the spread of coronavirus, such as supplying face masks, gloves and sanitising gels, as well as restricting staff gatherings.
In a statement, MV Agusta chief executive Timur Sardarov said: “We believe it is our duty not to give up in this crisis situation, so that the economy of this community can recover once the emergency is over. We took this decision with a great sense of responsibility, towards our employees in the first place, but also towards our local community, which cannot afford a breakdown of its production capability, and towards all the related industries on which so many workers and their families depend. The company has implemented all the information, prevention and containment measures required by the circumstances. We are determined to continue doing our best to support this community, fully respecting the rules and with maximum safety.”