The Economy

Parts Shortages Prompt Toyota to Curtail U.S. Production

April 8, 2011

Automaker's North American plants will run on a reduced schedule over the next few weeks.

Toyota said it was likely to happen, and now the automaker has made it official.

Toyota today announced that its North American vehicle plants will run on a reduced schedule over the next few weeks, due to parts shortages caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Production at its 14 North American vehicle plants will be suspended on April 15, 18, 21, 22 and 25, according to the automaker. However, its largest North American plant, in Georgetown, Ky., will operate on April 21.

Most of the company's engine and component plants in North America will follow the same schedule, Toyota said.

When the plants are idle, Toyota said it will continue to provide employment for its approximately 25,000 regular North American team members.

Employees not required to work may report to work for training and plant-improvement activities, use vacation or take unpaid time off, the company said.

"The situation in Japan affects many automakers and many other industries. Extraordinary efforts are underway to help suppliers recover," said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America. "We are slowing down to conserve parts yet maintain production as much as possible. We appreciate the flexibility of our team members, suppliers and dealers as we work through these issues."

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About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.