VANCE, Alabama – Mercedes-Benz is beginning to gradually ramp up production at its Alabama manufacturing plant after adopting robust safety measures to protect workers amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), as its Alabama operation is known, said operations began Monday with one shift. In coming weeks, the plant will be staffed with additional team members to move toward its full production volume.

“We have developed robust and best practice safety measures to ensure our team member safety as we return to work,” the company said in a Tuesday night statement. “Our goal is a maximum reduction of personal contact and hygiene measures have been further intensified.

“As tasks permit, our team members also working remotely from home.”

Before re-opening, MBUSI said it obtained guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and benchmarked the best safety practices with groups such as the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

“Our team members’ health and safety has top priority at Mercedes-Benz,” the company said.

MBUSI halted production at the Alabama plant last month in response to the coronavirus crisis.

“During our shutdown, we have monitored and learned from other Mercedes-Benz plants around the world as they returned to work,” its statement said.

“Measures adopted in Alabama include the mandatory wearing of face masks, temperature checks at entry and separation of team members in break rooms, cafes and common areas.”

MBUSI said it will continue to monitor federal and state guidance and regulations throughout this ramp-up period and will make whatever changes necessary to ensure worker safety and meet the required production capacities of SUV models produced in Alabama.