Workers test positive for COVID-19 a Toyota plant in Japan was shut down

According to foreign media reports, Toyota said that 14 employees of the company's factory in central Japan tested positive for the new crown virus, and then the company suspended some production work at the factory.

(Image source: Toyota)

Toyota said in a statement: "We sincerely apologize for the anxiety and concern this news may have caused to people in the surrounding area. The virus is a problem that has the potential to affect all of Toyota's plants, and we are constantly working to further strengthen communication with all plant employees and conduct health checks. Toyota is actively implementing various measures to prevent the further spread of the virus, and we will continue to provide timely and up-to-date information as needed by the situation. ”

A Toyota spokesperson said the plant, based in Tsutsumi, Japan, produces Camry and Corolla models. Affected by a positive employee test result, the plant is expected to shut down for four days, which will result in a reduction in the company's vehicle production by as much as 1,500 units.

Toyota said on Jan. 19 that it could not make up for the lost production last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions due to the shortage of chip supplies. In addition, the company expects that it will not be able to meet its annual target of producing 9 million vehicles by March 31 this year. The company said in a statement that the semiconductor shortage would cause them to reduce global production by 150,000 units to about 700,000 units in February.

Toyota said: "The current demand is very strong, so our original plan was to increase production in February. However, as the entire industry continues to be affected by the lack of semiconductor supply, we have adjusted our production plans. As a result of the adjustment, our full-year production forecast for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 will be below our previous target of 9 million units. ”