Japan earthquakes force suspension at GM Lordstown

LORDSTOWN

The Japan earthquakes have suspended production for two weeks at the General Motors Lordstown Assembly Plant.

The Vindicator confirmed the suspension, which will take place during the weeks of April 25 and May 2.

The suspension is due to supply-chain issues related to the recent Japan earthquakes, officials say.

Three other GM North America plants: Fairfax, Kan.; Spring Hill, Tenn.; and Oshawa, Ontario, will also have suspended production because of the earthquakes.

“We are not exactly sure where we stand right now,” said Glenn Johnson, president of UAW Local 1112, which represents 3,000 assembly-plant workers. “The official statement is in the event that if anything should happen [workers] will be notified by their supervisor.”

Johnson learned of some issues surrounding various parts that came out of Japan on Thursday afternoon.

“There are things that are out of control, and this is one of those,” said Robert Morales, president of the United Auto Workers Local 1714, which represents about 1,400 fabrication-plant workers at GM Lordstown.

GM is not the only automaker affected by the Japan earthquakes that killed at least 42 people.

Read more about the matter in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.