**Prime Wheel Resumes Partial Operations After Paying Municipal Fine**
Prime Wheel has partially resumed operations after paying a substantial fine to the municipal government, according to Alejandro Arregui Ibarra, Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) in Baja California. The company paid an estimated penalty of 10 million pesos in connection with safety and hygiene violations that led to the suspension of its Plant 1 and Plant 2 since October 22.
These violations came to light following the tragic death of Eduardo Ortiz Franco, a worker who was fatally injured by machinery. State authorities have confirmed that while the operations have partially restarted, it is unclear which of the two plants has actively resumed function.
Furthermore, Arnulfo Guerrero León, the municipal government secretary, had previously pointed out that the magnitude of the fine would depend on the severity of the missing documents from Prime Wheel. Local authorities requested various permits, including those from the Municipal Fire Department, to ensure compliance.
In addition to paying the fine, Prime Wheel is moving forward with the process of indemnification for Ortiz Franco’s family, with an estimated compensation of 2.5 million pesos as determined by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).
Adding to Prime Wheel’s challenges, the case of Servando Salazar Cano, who disappeared on August 23, remains under investigation by the State’s Attorney General’s Office.
**Secondary Article: Broader Implications of Workplace Safety Violations at Prime Wheel**
This incident has ignited a broader conversation regarding workplace safety and compliance in manufacturing industries across Baja California. Experts assert that Prime Wheel’s failure to meet safety protocols highlights significant gaps within the regulatory framework, urging stricter enforcement and preventive measures.
In response to these concerns, Baja California’s labor authorities are committed to conducting comprehensive inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. As global supply chains increasingly focus on ethical and safe production, incidents like those at Prime Wheel could have wider ramifications on Mexico’s manufacturing reputation.
Meanwhile, Prime Wheel is seeking additional time from the municipal authorities to furnish the outstanding documentation required for uninterrupted operations. Stakeholders are hopeful that the company will undertake necessary improvements to prevent future incidents and secure a safe working environment for all employees.
As these developments unfold, they underscore the critical need for stringent labor regulations and the protection of workers in volatile industrial settings.