XIAMEN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The canteen of TDK Xiamen Company has not been as busy as usual since Feb. 10 when the Japanese-funded company in east China's Fujian Province resumed production amid the novel coronavirus epidemic.
At lunchtime, about 2,000 workers are divided into four shifts to have their meals. After disinfecting their hands, they will eat at a table divided into four small spaces with a foam barrier.
Over half of the employees have returned to work, according to Hu Duanmin, vice general manager of the administrative management department of TDK Xiamen.
"The local government is helping our workers return to work with chartered buses and flights," said Hu. "About 80 percent of our workers will return by March."
The Japanese-funded company has taken many measures to prevent the virus from spreading among its workers, such as distributing masks, checking body temperatures and disinfecting work areas.
"Only when the workers are healthy can we realize our production goal," said Hu, who is also confident that the company will make up the losses caused by the epidemic by adjusting the production plan in the second quarter.
"The situation is getting better. The government has released a slew of measures including tax cuts and financial support to help us survive this hard time," said Hu. "In February, we can save a cost of 1.4 million yuan (nearly 200,000 U.S. dollars), which offsets some of our expenses."
Yamaha Motor Solutions Company is another Japanese firm resuming business in Xiamen, a coastal business hub in China. So far, about 85 percent of its workforce has resumed work.
Apart from the necessary epidemic prevention and control measures in the workshops, the company also uses an online work platform to reduce business trips and conduct video conferences to avoid close contact among employees.
"The epidemic will have a great influence on the company's performance in the first quarter," said Zhao Fujun, general manager of the company. "However, the company will seize the chance to improve its product portfolio, establish a cost-effective automation research institute, and launch services related to safe production and management."
Zhao also expressed appreciation for the government's support policies for enterprises in various fields. "Many enterprises are experiencing difficulties. Tax reduction is of great importance," Zhao said.
JTEKT Steering Systems (Xiamen) Company resumed business on Feb. 17. "About 87 percent of our labor force has returned. The production lines are all getting started," said Peng Daohong, vice general manager of the company.
Peng estimated that the production capacity in February will only reach up to 25 percent of the previous plan.
"We hope to return to normal in May and June. For the whole year, we are optimistic," said Peng. "The influence of the epidemic is temporary. In the long term, we are confident in China's economy."
