(Radio Iowa) — One of north-central Iowa’s largest employers is suspending most production activities at its facilities in Iowa and nationwide due to the coronavirus pandemic. Forest City-based Winnebago Industries says the actions at the company’s Winnebago, Grand Design RV, Newmar and Chris-Craft facilities is in response to the national spread of COVID-19 and unforeseeable change in business circumstances that have accompanied it. The steps are designed to lower the probability of coronavirus exposure to employees and adjust future production output relative to a fast-changing demand landscape for the company’s products.

Production will be suspended starting this week and based on present conditions through at least April 12th. Winnebago CEO Michael Happe says their top priority is the health and well-being of the company’s employees, business partners, customers and communities. He says the company is also seeing demand for their products shift dramatically as the nation takes appropriate action to curb the spread of coronavirus.

To support employees and their families affected by the temporary production suspension, the company is providing base pay and benefits for the first two weeks.