SHUTDOWNS spread among semiconductor-related and other factories in Kumamoto Prefecture on Wednesday after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the southwestern prefecture the previous day, raising concerns about broader economic fallout if the suspensions are prolonged.
Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp, a subsidiary of Sony Group Corp, halted operations at its plant in Kikuyo immediately after the quake, with no timetable for resuming operations. Other major chipmakers, Renesas Electronics Corp and Tokyo Electron Ltd, also suspended operations at two plants each in the prefecture. Mitsubishi Electric Corp has done the same at its plants in Koshi and Kikuchi.
Toyota Motor Kyushu Inc. briefly resumed operations at three plants in nearby Fukuoka Prefecture after conducting safety checks. It later announced it would suspend them again from Wednesday evening through late Friday due to logistical issues and conditions at suppliers. Honda Motor Co is halting operations at its motorcycle and engine factory in the town of Ozu through Friday, while Nissan Motor Co said it will partially suspend operations at two plants in Fukuoka Prefecture from Thursday afternoon due to delays in parts supplies.
Kyodo
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