Toyota's Altona plant reduces production after Japan earthquake

Toyota has continued to face repercussions from the Japan earthquake, as its Australian and international operations around the globe remain limited.

Highlighting this is the vehicle production at the company’s Altona manufacturing plant, which will be reduced to about 50 per cent in May and June, but the 3,300 workers at the Toyota Australia plant will remain in work.

“The company, workers and their unions have worked together to ensure that jobs will be kept, and it is my understanding that the jobs of Toyota workers are not at risk,” Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said.

“They will work half-day shifts to continue to produce vehicles and, when possible, undertake training.

”This situation has been brought about by the after effects of the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

“The problem is not unique to Australia. Globally, integrated supply chains have been a feature of modern manufacturing for some time.”

Meanwhile, AAP reports that Toyota is to temporarily halt production at five European plants for several days in April and May, due to a shortage of parts following the March 11 earthquake.

The plants in Britain, France, Poland and Turkey would also operate at a reduced volume throughout May "in order to manage available parts supply", the company announced on Wednesday.

Toyota joins its Japanese rivals Nissan Motor and Honda Motor in cutting back output in Europe.

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