03/20/2020

The last several days have provided us with a better understanding of the state of the automotive industry with the pandemic and the resulting market volatility.  In our ongoing efforts to keep you informed of the decisions we are making, the following is information that we have received from our customers and what our next steps will be.

Before we get into the details, we would like to thank you for your dedication, efforts and support. It is truly amazing to see how we as an organization come together and support each other during these difficult times.  We must be proud of that and together, as ONE, we will overcome this situation. 

We have received the following from our customers, this is current as of March 20, 2020:

FCA, GM, Ford, Mercedes, Toyota –   Shutdown for two weeks through April 4^th. Tesla – California has enacted a “shelter in place” order state-wide for the next four weeks shutting them down.

We have made the decision to shut down OE production for two weeks beginning this Sunday night, March 22, through Saturday, April 4.   This will apply to all OE production employees and support staff.  Customer activities and project work will continue on an as needed basis.

Here is a Question & Answer to help explain how the affected employees in these areas are impacted.  If, after reading through the information you still have questions, please reach out to any senior manager in the company.  We have tried to think of all the questions employees might have but to be honest with you, we are as new to this as you are. 

All temporary employees were released as of yesterday in both OE and AM to assure that only Bilstein employees are filling open production requirements. We anticipate we will open the opportunity for about 15 – 20 OE employees to work in the AM area on the 4-shift model over the next two weeks.  OE and AM management are working together to determine the skill set that will be needed in the AM and we will reach out to employees that meet the requirements necessary to work over the shutdown.  All co-ops, unless otherwise notified, are on furlough (unpaid) for the next three weeks.  We will be in contact with all co-ops prior to the end of the three weeks, or April 12, about their return to work.

Over the next two weeks, please stay at home and continue to practice all that you have been told by the State health Agency, seen in the news and here at work – wash your hands thoroughly, stay away from large groups and practice social distancing of six feet or more. 

Now more than ever, employee safety is our key focus.  We will continue all safety measures that have been communicated and put into place in response to the current situation.

We appreciate your understanding and support during these times. 

BILSTEIN and Bilsteiners Rock!

If you have any questions that have not been answered on this page, please email questions here and someone from Leadership and/or HR will respond.