Isuzu truck production resumes; Toyota Cnd plant to close

TOKYO — Isuzu is back in the truck-building game after a three-week setback.

The truckmaker halted production at its Fujisawa factory after the earthquake and tsunami hit on March 11.

According to media reports, Isuzu’s executive VP and director Ryoko Tsukioko said this week the company waited until March 28 to test the assembly equipment, using vehicles already in the production process.

Then on Tuesday, April 5, the entire line was opened up for business again.

The Fujisawa plant manufactures N-Series trucks, diesel engines and components for the North American market, as well as commercial vehicles and parts for markets worldwide.

That doesn’t mean all is back to normal, though.

Production at Fujisawa will build gradually because parts supply and the availability of electricity remain inconsistent. As a result, Isuzu will announce a timetable for a return to full production at a later date.

Other truckmakers including Hino and Mitsubishi Fuso did not close plants but many parts suppliers in the earthquake-struck region were closed so production across the manufacturing chain has been crippled.

Meanwhile, closer to home a shutdown is looming at the Woodstock, Ont. Toyota plant.

"We do anticipate some non-production days," Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada spokesperson Pat Clement told the London free Press.

She said the timing and duration of the shutdown is unknown.

Toyota gets about 15 percent of its parts from Japan for cars and trucks built in North America.