JLR Restarts UK, Slovakia Production After Cyber Attack
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is set to restart manufacturing operations across multiple sites in the UK and Slovakia this Wednesday, following a cyber attack that halted production in early September. The restart marks an important moment for the company and its stakeholders, according to Adrian Mardell, chief executive of JLR.
The cyber attack has left suppliers in limbo, raising fears of small firms producing parts for JLR collapsing without financial support. JLR operates the largest supply chain in the UK automotive sector, employing around 120,000 people through predominantly small and medium-sized businesses. To mitigate the impact, JLR has launched a new financing arrangement to pay qualifying suppliers early, using the strength of its balance sheet to support their cash flows. This scheme, called the 'Supplier Relief Scheme', was presented on Thursday and aims to help suppliers better endure the impacts of the hack.
Key areas of the Solihull vehicle production plant, including the body shop, paint shop, and logistics operations centre, will also restart. Vehicle manufacturing in Nitra, Slovakia, and the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport production lines at the Solihull facility will resume later this week. Production will also restart at the engine plant in Wolverhampton, battery assembly centre in Birmingham, and stamping operations in Castle Bromwich, Halewood, and Solihull. JLR will provide further updates on the next steps of its controlled restart.
The cyber attack has potentially impacted the group's bottom line by around £120 million. With the restart of operations, JLR aims to minimise the disruption caused by the hack and support its supply chain. The company's commitment to its suppliers and stakeholders is evident in the launch of the Supplier Relief Scheme, demonstrating its resolve to navigate through this challenging period.
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