Komatsu is predicting that production will be back to normal by the middle of April despite work being held up by aftershocks and the attempts to repair the Fukushima nuclear plant, news service KHL has reported.
Speaking at the CONEXPO event, Dave Grzelak confirmed that three plants received minor damage but the nearest factory to the Fukushima reactor is not yet open.
“We are striving to restore operation at the damaged plants. However, because of the repeated aftershocks, blackouts and disrupted water supply, it has been difficult to restore the plants to full functionality,” he said.
“Even once the Komatsu plants are operational, there are other issues to overcome. Shipment of equipment has been delayed because roads and harbour facilities from and near our plants have been severely damaged. Gasoline shortages and rolling electrical blackouts that affect trains make it difficult-to-impossible for employees to get to work.”
Both Toyota and Honda have extended shutdowns at several of their plants. Toyota has said that its vehicle production will remain suspended until Saturday March 26, but it had reopened plants producing part for its overseas operations.
Honda says its plants will remain shut until March 27. Nissan resumed limited operations at five of its six Japanese plants, and said it would recommence car production from March 24 and run until its inventory lasted.
