Alton Brobst If you are a Subaru fan, or you live in Indiana and are interested in the automotive industry, you may have wondered about the current status of the Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana. The plant, which produces the Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback models, has been a significant employer in the area since its opening in 2016. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting manufacturing plants around the world, it’s natural to wonder how Subaru is faring. This article aims to provide you with an up-to-date overview of the Subaru plant’s current status, employment opportunities, and production output.
Overview of the Subaru Plant in Indiana
The Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana, is one of three manufacturing plants that Subaru operates in North America. The company invested over $1.3 billion in the plant’s construction, which began in 2014, and it officially opened in 2016. Currently, the plant employs over 6,000 people and has the capacity to produce more than 400,000 vehicles per year.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Plant’s Operations
Like most manufacturing plants around the world, the Subaru plant has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the plant suspended operations for several weeks to implement changes to ensure the safety of its employees. These changes included implementing social distancing measures, increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, and providing personal protective equipment to employees. The plant resumed production in early May with a more comprehensive safety framework in place.
The Current Status of the Plant
As of August 2021, the Subaru plant in Indiana is fully operational. The plant is operating under the same comprehensive safety measures that were implemented when it resumed production in May 2020. Subaru has also experienced some temporary closures of the plant due to supply chain issues from suppliers, but overall the plant is up and running.
Employment Opportunities at the Plant
If you are looking for employment in the automotive industry and you live in Indiana, you’ll be pleased to know that the Subaru plant has been hiring. In fact, in August 2021, they were advertising for Production Associates. You can check out the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) website for more information about current job opportunities.
Production Output and Future Plans
In 2020, the plant produced 371,671 vehicles, down from 410,168 in 2019, reflecting the pandemic’s impact on the automotive industry. However, Subaru has announced plans to invest more than $400 million in the plant, which will expand the plant’s capacity by 100,000 vehicles per year. The expansion is expected to be completed in 2022 and will create around 900 new jobs.
FAQs
Is the Subaru plant in Indiana currently open?
Yes, the plant is currently open and fully operational.
What safety measures has the plant implemented due to COVID-19?
The plant has implemented social distancing measures, increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, and provided personal protective equipment to employees.
Is the Subaru plant currently hiring?
Yes, the plant has been hiring, and job opportunities are available for Production Associates. Interested individuals can check the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) website for more information.
Conclusion
Despite the pandemic’s impact on the automotive industry, the Subaru plant in Indiana is operating well. The implementation of comprehensive safety measures has allowed the plant to maintain operations while ensuring the safety of its employees. With the announcement of the plant’s expansion plans and the creation of new jobs, it is clear that Subaru’s commitment to Indiana remains strong.
