Toyota has temporarily suspended production at multiple facilities following a fatal explosion at a key supplier’s plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The March 6 blast at Chuo Spring’s Fujioka plant killed one worker and injured two others, disrupting the supply chain for critical suspension components.
In response, Toyota has halted three production lines at two of its plants in Aichi Prefecture. The affected lines include one at Toyota’s Takaoka plant, which manufactures the RAV4 and Harrier SUVs, and two at Toyota’s Nagakusa facility, which also builds the RAV4. Additionally, one production line at Daihatsu’s Kyoto plant, responsible for assembling the Toyota Probox, has been shut down.
Toyota initially planned to suspend operations for the morning shift on March 10 but extended the pause into the afternoon and the following day’s first shift. The company will reassess its operations on March 11 to determine when production can resume. The company hasn’t been able to confirm the potential impact on U.S. exports, where RAV4 sales remain strong.
The incident marks the second explosion at Chuo Spring’s Fujioka plant. In October 2023, a similar accident caused Toyota to halt 13 production lines at eight plants. Chuo Spring attributed that event to a clogged air duct in a drying furnace, which led to an unstable gas buildup and ignition. Afterward, the supplier revised safety protocols, increased inspections, and enhanced employee training.
Toyota has emphasized that worker safety remains its top priority. However, the disruption raises concerns about the company’s supply chain resilience as it works to recover lost production without significant delays.
