Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) will halve its weekly production volume from 11 April due to a shortage of parts from Japan.
It is understood these are electronic items. Honda in Japan on Monday (4 April) recommenced production of parts for overseas assembly.
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“The vast majority of the automotive parts for cars produced at HUM are sourced in Europe,” the automaker said in a statement. “However, for global efficiency, a number of parts continue to be supplied from Japan. The interruption of supply of these parts will impact production activity at HUM.
“By taking this action, HUM will be able to continue production by utilising HUM’s flexible working policy; pay is maintained for all associates. Once full production is resumed the reduced volume production will be quickly recovered using the banked hours.”
Ken Keir, executive vice president, Honda Motor Europe said: “We’ve taken the decision to reduce our production volumes at HUM as it enables us to continue with our manufacturing activities, thus minimising the impact on Honda customers, dealers and associates.”
As parts supply stabilises and full production resumes, Honda will schedule production to meet European needs.
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By GlobalDataUnite, the automaker workers’ main union, said it had been fully involved in discussions with Honda.
“A working time agreement negotiated by Unite for the workers based in Swindon means they will receive their full pay while production is halved,” the union said in a statement.
Regional officer, Jim D’Avila said: “We fully understand the difficult and extraordinary circumstances facing Japan. Unite representatives have been fully involved in discussions with Honda management and will continue to work with the company. The union will be keeping a close eye on developments. Thanks to a working time agreement Unite negotiated in 2009, there will be no loss of earnings for the workforce while the company cuts production.”
