Honda to restart production at Kumamoto plant from May 6

After halting production following severe damages from the devastating earthquakes that hit the Kyushu region in Japan on April 15-16, Honda Motor Co has decided to partially resume operations at its Kumamoto factory from May 6.

The production is scheduled to restart in phases and due to severe damage to some part of the buildings and equipment at the Kumamoto factory, Honda expects full recovery to be completed in mid-August.

Regarding other production facilities, Yachiyo Industry Co, Honda’s subsidiary company producing mini-vehicles, has shifted to limited production since April 22, and is planned to be fully operational in 6 months. All other production facilities are operating normally, the automaker said.

The two earthquakes, measuring 6.3-7.0, on the Richter scale killed at least 48 people and injured about 3,000 in total. Severe damage occurred in the cities of Kumamoto and Oita Prefectures, with numerous structures collapsing and catching fire. More than 44,000 people have been evacuated from their homes due to this disaster.