Strong quake hits Japan's production hub, disrupts business operations

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake centered on Kumamoto in southwestern Japan forced companies across the region to suspend operations and disrupted supply chains, with at least 13 people killed and power knocked out for thousands of homes. Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing halted operations at its Kumamoto Technology Centre, while Renesas Electronics suspended work at its Kawajiri and Nishiki plants and began inspecting clean-room facilities. Ebara stopped production at a plant in Nankan producing semiconductor equipment. Toyota Motor Kyushu suspended shifts at three Fukuoka plants after they had resumed earlier Wednesday. Mitsubishi Electric’s Kumamoto site and Honda’s Kumamoto motorcycle factory also stayed shut, as did some Aeon Kyushu stores. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing began gradual restart at JASM.