What Chevrolet Needs to Do to Reopen Bowling Green

Kentucky plans to allow manufacturing to begin on May 11. A few things need to happen to make it work in Bowling Green

Before the world came to a standstill, the C8 era of the Corvette had begun rolling off the line in Bowling Green, Kentucky. According to Motor1, nearly 2,700 ‘Vettes left the factory before Bowling Green closed.

The sun will soon shine bright upon Corvette fans again, though. GM Authority reports production at Bowling Green could restart as soon May 11, based on guidance from the state government.

Per the administration of Governor Andy Beshear, Kentucky will soon enter its first phase of reopening the economy in full. Said phase, scheduled for May 11, includes manufacturing, construction, and vehicle and boat dealerships.

However, it won’t be as easy to reopen Bowling Green for Corvette production. Here’s what Chevrolet must do for its employees before any more 2020 models find their way home.

Cautiously Reopening Bowling Green

Once May 11 rolls around, Chevy will need to provide its workers with everything from masks and plenty of soap and sanitizer, to conducting health checks and continuing social distancing. However, that’s only what they need to do for Kentucky. There’s also the UAW to consider.

According to GM Authority, Chevy — and its parent company, General Motors — must also negotiate a deal with the United Auto Workers. As president Rory Gamble stated in late April, he wants to make sure “the scientific data is supportive and every possible health protocols and enhanced protections are in place before UAW members walk into the workplace.”

“If this is going to work, we need to do this right,” Gamble said. “And importantly the return to work date should be dictated by the science of the contagion curve, not economic factors. If we do this wrong, we all only have a prolonged economic hardship.”

Another factor is engine production. As GM Authority notes, the 6.2-liter LT2 V8 is built in Buffalo, New York. The entire state is under a heavier stay-at-home order than Kentucky. Thus, it’ll be a while before engines head south to the Bluegrass State.

Meanwhile, Bowling Green workers are helping to feed their local community. Per the Bowling Green Daily News, UAW Local 2164 members packed food boxes for a distribution event with Feeding America. Over 1,000 families arrived at Lampkin Park to collect the boxes.

The workers plan to help again in late May. However, it’ll likely happen while also building new Corvettes.

Photos: Chevrolet; Kentucky.gov; Bowling Green Daily News

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