Car audio and automotive chip maker, Renesas, shut its operations due to the earthquake that struck Japan yesterday.
The earthquake measured 7.4 on the Richter scale and resulted in factory closings by Renesas, Sony, Toyota and other manufacturers.
Renesas chips are used in 12 volt items including radios, amplifiers and OE integration products. Renesas also supplies chips to car makers.
Renesas said all three of its plants, the Naka, Takasaki and Yonezawa factories, are located by the earthquake zone. Two plants were closed and one was partially shut down, it said.
Renesas is currently assessing the earthquake’s impact on machinery, clean rooms and products and has not yet determined when it will resume full operations, reported Automotive News. The chip maker has, however, resumed production of some if its lines at its Yonezawa factory.
You may recall there was a fire at Renesas’ Naka factory just about a year ago to the week, which may have contributed to the disruption in car audio supplies.
Also, as a result of the earthquake, Sony closed three of its plants. Electronic components maker Murata Manufacturing also ceased operations at its factories, including one making smartphone parts. Toyota said it will restart operations at a reduced level at two factories, after suspending operations, said Reuters.
The earthquake hit northeast Japan left at least two people dead and 161 injured, said the BBC.
