Following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Sony has stopped production at six factories making magnetic heads, Blu-Ray discs and batteries. All employees have evacuated and they are safe.In a Twitter message, a Sony rep wrote: “Our thoughts go out to colleagues, family and friends impacted by the earthquake in Japan and the tsunamis.”
Sharp’s new LED plant in Sakai also has been shut down, according to reports.
In addition, Panasonic’s new EV Energy plant in Sendai is said to have been destroyed and several of its employees have suffered minor injuries.
Sanyo also reportedly implemented shut downs.
Tsunami warnings are in effect for the U.S. West Coast, including LA, Friday morning.
Reports cited the estimated time of arrival of the resulting waves in and around LA as being around 8:30am local time. The Associated Press said they will hit Santa Barbara around 8:24am PT and Santa Monica around 8:39am PT.
Network TV morning shows and news networks were reporting about the Japan earthquake and its possible effects on the U.S. all morning.
Google included a warning on its home page. It says: “Tsunami Alert for New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, and others. Waves expected over the next few hours, caused by 8.9 earthquake in Japan.”
Representatives for entertainment giants couldn’t immediately be reached for comment on specific plans for their West Coast operations or said they are monitoring the situation.
