Quake not affecting Kawasaki -- yet

[Johnj]

The devastating effects of the earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami went far beyond the human suffering.

Many businesses were left in ruins, and those that are still able to operate face multiple challenges.

Those challenges have extended to Japanese companies operating in other countries, as well. Some have had issues getting parts from Japan, causing them to suspend or slow production.

Lincoln’s Kawasaki plant has experienced no such issues so far.

Plant manager Mike Boyle said in an email that most of Kawasaki’s suppliers are south of Tokyo, far from where the quake and tsunami hit. The few that are north of Tokyo have experienced no problems with supplies so far.

"Kawasaki has ocean container vessels in transit from Japan to the United States almost continuously," Boyle said. "At this time, all in-transit vessels are expected to arrive and deliver parts to the Lincoln plant on time."

He said the Lincoln plant should be fine at least through the end of April, but after that there could be some disruptions.

Boyle said a big issue is that many Japanese plants are cutting back on production because of disruptions in the supply of fuel and electricity. Depending on how long those considerations continue, it could affect the flow of parts to the Lincoln plant, he said.

[totalmotorcycle]

I've heard that Toyota is issuing a notice to those who have purchased NEW Toyota's that their cars MAY contain higher than normal levels of radiation. OOOO.

Guess you have to wonder how much higher it is, but I guess it's food for thought for anything coming from Japan for now. I hate to see Japan get it with another financial crisis as well (like the lost decade 1990+) where people are not ordering food, parts, material from Japan due to fears of radiation... interestingly enough both the US and Canadian gov'ts (I've heard) have raised their levels of "safe food radiation".

Mike