UPDATE – MacTrast reader Joel Teitelbaum, (CEO of iStore), pointed out that Sony told Reuters on Monday that its image sensor plant in Kumamoto, which has been shut since earthquakes hit southern Japan last week, makes components mainly for digital cameras, and, “The impact of the Kumamoto plant suspension on Apple is expected to be limited.” Thanks Joel!
An earthquake that was centered near Japan’s Kyushu island has resulted in the closing of Sony’s Kumamoto image sensor factory. The facility supplies components for use in Apple’s iPhone, but Sony believes deliveries will not be affected.
“We are not expecting any immediate supply disruption as we have some inventories right now,” a Sony spokesman said, according to Reuters. “We will make an announcement promptly if any supply issues emerge.”
iPhone supplies were the least of local residents’ worries on Saturday, as two major quakes hit the region, injuring hundreds, and causing as many as 40 deaths. Aftershocks continued to be felt throughout the weekend.
While the disaster affected a number of production facilities owned and operated by a number of major Japanese firms, only the automotive industry is expected to experience production issues. While tech firms have been able to build supply chains able to stand up to such natural disasters, auto makers face a more difficult problem, due to thin profit margins, and complex supplier relationships.
