Pixiq

The following is an update on my previous article

The Nikon Corporation issued a third press release regarding the status of employees and plants, following the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan on Friday 11th March 2011.  

In addition to the previously reported death of one employee of Sendai Nikon as a result of the earthquake, the latest press release confirms that as yet the fate of three other people employed at the factory still remains unknown. Donations in support of the relief effort to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami can be made directly to the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) here.

In respect of manufacturing operations the statement confirms that production at Nikon Sendai, the plant that produces the FX format D-SLR camera bodies (D700, D3s and D3x), resumed with effect from 30^th March 2011.

It is clear from the tone of the statement that the Nikon Corporation feels more confident in its ability to procure and maintain supplies of parts and components to the Sendai factory, although as before it contains a caveat concerning the level of manufacturing operations due to several unresolved issues, principally the continuation of planned power outages, and the significant damage / disruption to the transport infrastructure in north east Japan. Consequently, the company has asked for understanding and tolerance while it endeavors to resume full production, warning that there may shortages of some products for sometime to come. Hopefully the steps taken to disperse some production activities to alternative sites, such as the machining of camera and lens mount rings, which has been moved to a company located in Malaysia will help alleviate some of the problems being experienced currently.

The Nikon Corporation has responded with both speed and agility in an effort to resume normal operations as quickly as possible, under very challenging conditions, which are unlikely to change in the near future, so once again let us all wish them good luck and every success.

© Simon Stafford