A skeleton staff will return to Dundee manufacturer JTC Furniture on Tuesday as the company looks to fulfil orders to essential clients.
The company, which operates from the former Timex building on Harrison Road, counts the NHS, Ministry of Defence and local authorities among its customers.
JTC’s workforce of more than 150 staff had been furloughed after the Scottish Government issued social distancing guidance but chairman Gordon Linton said a reduced staff would be able to operate safely.
“When the factory is at full capacity it would have been impossible for us to guarantee being able to operate two metres apart,” he said.
“In the last two weeks we’ve been contacted by the NHS, local authorities and various other businesses looking for supplies.
“We now have a plan to restart the factory in safe conditions.
“Our factory is 160,000 sq ft and we have worked with 30 staff the closest they will be to each other is 15 feet.
“It means we can comply with Government guidelines and we’ve also engaged the union.
“All we are trying to do is get the factory working with a skeleton staff so that we can supply essential customers.”
He said that staff who had been asked to return will receive a guide about how to operate safely and where they can be in the factory down to which toilets they can use.
Mr Linton said the company would be out of pocket restarting production.
“The easiest thing for me to do would have been to put everyone on furlough, close the place and come back when the world’s in a better place,” he added.
“Councils are still needing supplies for houses they are trying to get available for homeless people.
“Staff may work on other projects but that’s only to fill their time as we prioritise the key clients.
“If we get to a stage in a few weeks’ time where all the essential stuff dries up then more than likely I’ll stop and furlough everyone again and hunker down like everybody else.
“We’re actually going to be out of pocket bringing people back but we are trying to do what is right morally and ethically.”
rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk