Toyota Phils back to 2 shifts

MANILA, Philippines – Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is back to two shifts per day after adjusting its production as a result of the earthquake in Eastern Japan.

In a statement, TMP said they resumed two-shift production work schedule at 100 percent production level in June following the improved production parts supply condition.

TMP will make further adjustments this September to make production operations run at its most efficient level while achieving the production volume target for the year.

“Due to the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake that caused temporary limitation in production parts supply, TMP adjusted its production operations in April and May by cutting down production days and workshifts,” Toyota said.

From zero production from April 28 to 29, TMP has bounced back to a 4.5 days production with two shifts per work day this July.

TMP did not say how much they are currently producing per day. The Sta. Rosa plant manufactures Inova and Vios. In terms of target, they still have not made any changes in their production plan this year. TMP said it is still too early to make a concrete response because their target will depend on the recovery situation.

TMP are still assessing the supply condition of the production parts in close coordination with TMC, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific and local parts suppliers. He said that around 39 percent of the service parts are being sourced from Japan.

In terms of imported vehicles from Japan, TMP admitted that there are shortness in supply but the supply line is getting better.

Seven out of fifteen vehicles are imported from Japan like the Alphard, Hiace, LC200, Prado, Previa, Prius and Rav4. Likewise all the Lexus models are from Japan.

To date, TMP said they continue to receive parts from Japan that were already in the pipeline that is why the immediate impact was cushioned. “We will continue to work closely with TMC, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific and local parts suppliers to minimize any disruption to TMP’s overall operations,” TMP said. –Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star)