Jaguar Land Rover has announced it will restart some manufacturing production in the "coming days" as it continues recovering from a major cyber attack. The British carmaker had paused all manufacturing operations since the start of September after being targeted by hackers.
The company described the move as part of a "controlled, phased restart" of operations. A JLR spokesperson said they are taking further steps towards recovery and the return to manufacturing their vehicles, whilst acknowledging there is "much more to do" in the recovery process.
Production shutdown extends into October
JLR had recently extended the production pause until at least October 1st after its systems were compromised. The cyber attack has impacted factories in Halewood on Merseyside, Solihull in the West Midlands, and the engine manufacturing site in Wolverhampton.
Experts have warned the production shutdown could cost the group around £120 million. The firm typically builds about 1,000 cars per day under normal operations.
Government announces financial support
The production pause has left suppliers in limbo, prompting calls for urgent financial support. Over the weekend, the Government announced it would underwrite a £1.5 billion loan guarantee to JLR to provide suppliers with certainty over payments.
The commercial bank loan will help bolster JLR's cash reserves as it pays back companies in its supply chain. These suppliers have been majorly impacted by the shutdown, with unions and politicians raising fears that small suppliers could collapse without financial support.
UK's largest automotive supply chain affected
JLR operates the largest supply chain in the UK automotive sector, employing around 120,000 people. The network is largely made up of small and medium-sized businesses producing parts for the car manufacturer.
Since the attack on August 31st, ministers have been in daily contact with JLR and cyber experts as the company attempts to restart production. The foundational work for recovery is described as firmly under way.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
