Morgan is a wonderfully traditional car manufacturer that has a history stretching back over eleven decades. While it has adapted to an ever-changing world – its new Plus 4 being a good example fo this – they way it manufacturers cars has never changed. However, measures to combat COVID-19 have paused production.
For the first time since 1939, designers put down their pencils and craftspeople their tools on 25th March 2020. Morgan has sent them home under the guidance of the British government to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Not since World War II has the Morgan factory been closed for an extended period of time.
A Morgan statement reads: ‘For the first time since World War II, and following government advice, we have made the decision to close the Morgan factory for at least one month. During this period we are committed to looking after our employees.’ It continues: ‘We would urge you to keep your Morgan in the garage, to follow Government advice and stay at home. The next adventure can wait, and when all of this is over, your next drive will feel like your first.’
Car production stoped in its entirety at the outbreak of WWII, with many workers conscripted to combat Axis powers. The service and spares department were kept open, but much of the factory was taken over by Standard Motor Company Aero Engines for the war effort. Morgan helped build aircraft undercarriages, carburettors and other technical pieces of engineering.
After World War II concluded in 1945, many of Morgan’s skilled workers returned to rejoin the company. In 1946 production recommenced with the final Three-Wheeler models being built for export.
We hope to see Morgan, and many other manufacturers, back up and running soon.
Keyword: COVID-19 closes Morgan factory for first time since World War II