In the wake of the earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan, Sony Corp. reported Monday that operations at various Japan-based manufacturing sites, as well as Sony Corp. Sendai Technology Center, have ceased.
The company also has voluntarily suspended operations at several additional sites to assist with the alleviation of widespread power outages.
The company is supporting relief and recovery efforts with a donation of 300 million Japanese yen (nearly $3.7 million) and a program through which a disaster relief fund will collect donations across the Sony group, and the company will match those contributions.
Sony also is donating products, including 30,000 Sony radios to assist the relief of earthquake victims.
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“In times like these, we are reminded of how important and fragile we are and of the positive impact we can have — both as individuals and, collectively, as a company — to assist those in need,” Sony Corp. chairman and CEO Howard Stringer said. “We will continue to make the utmost effort to help the swift recovery of the affected communities in the region.”
Sony is monitoring the status of its affected sites while considering the recovery measures. According to the company, no significant injuries have been reported to employees working at any of these sites.
Manufacturing operations have been suspended at the following production sites: Sony Chemical & Information Device Corp.’s Tagajyo plant (magnetic tapes, Blu-ray Discs) and Tome plant (optical devices, IC cards); Sony Shiroishi Semiconductor (semiconductor lasers); Sony Energy Devices’ Koriyama plant (lithium ion secondary batteries); Sony Energy Devices’ Motomiya plant (lithium ion secondary batteries); Sony Manufacturing Systems’ Kuki plant (surface mounting equipment); and Sony DADC Japan’s Ibaraki facility (CDs, DVDs).
Additional locations remain operational.
Sony also confirmed that Sony Chemical & Information Devices’ Kanuma plant, Sony Energy Devices’ Tochigi plant and Sony’s Atsugi Technology Center have suspended operations on a voluntary basis in a bid to conserve power.
