National Steel Car has suspended manufacturing amid depleting supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the growing COVID-19 crisis. The Hamilton, Ontario-based company said it cannot resume operations until its employees have been provided with PPE, of which there’s a shortage because that equipment is being prioritized for first responders.
Construction and metal fabrication at the company will stop on April 3, and finishing and shipping will be halted by April 17, the company said in a press release. The shutdown will affect approximately 1,800 employees.