As Hurricane Ian continues to wreak havoc in the US, companies are already implementing measures to soften the blow of the storm into their businesses. Mercedes-Benz and Volvo were among those announcing measures to anticipate the impact, ceasing operations at their plants in South Carolina.
As reported Automotive News, Mercedes-Benz announced the closure of its factory on Friday. The assembly plant, located in Charleston, employs 1,600 people, producing Mercedes Sprinter and Metris cars for North America. The next fully electric Mercedes eSprinter is expected to be built at this plant in the second half of 2023.
Meanwhile, Volvo’s Ridgeville plant also suspended operations from 11am EDT Thursday and will remain out of operation until Friday. The plant employs 1,500 people and is building the Volvo S60. The Swedish automaker has invested $118 million in this plant to make fully electric vehicles for the US market.
“Hurricane Ian has the potential to affect our US operations,” Volvo said in a statement. “The safety of our employees and their families is our highest priority. Therefore, our Ridgeville plant ceased operations at 11am and will remain closed until Friday.”
Hurricane Ian first made landfall in Florida on Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane. It weakened to a tropical storm as it moved over central Florida earlier in the day. However, strength returned to Category 1 this Thursday evening, with winds of 75 miles per hour. The storm is now headed for South Carolina and is expected to make landfall again on Friday.
According to the weather service, major flooding is expected on the northeastern coast of Florida, southeastern Georgia and eastern South Carolina. There’s also the possibility of “a tornado or two” hitting coastal Carolina on Friday.
