Japanese earthquake closes Honda factory

Honda have closed their Kumamoto factory in the wake of two earthquakes that rocked southern Japan on Thursday and Saturday last week. 

Saturday’s earthquake measured a magnitude of 7.3 struck when it struck at 01:25 (15:25 GMT on Friday) close to Kumamoto, which had already been hit by a 6.4 magnitude quake on Thursday night. Both quakes originated close to the surface, which resulted in significant damage buildings, road, tunnels and bridges, and triggered several landslides. 

Honda Japan issued a statement today saying:

“Honda would like to express its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the Kumamoto Earthquake.

“Due to this earthquake, Honda will halt operations at its Kumamoto Factory (Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture) until April 22, 2016.

“Subsequent production plans will be determined according to facility restorations and component supply. Honda wishes the Kyushu residents the soonest recovery, and will put all our efforts into it.”

This means that production of the firm’s Gold Wing, Fireblade, NC750, VRF1200F and others has been temoporarily halted while Honda inspect the factory for damage, and ensure that the facility is safe for workers to return on April 22. 

Many other automotive and technology firms in the region have been affected, including Toyota and Sony.