The construction and quarrying equipment manufacturer says it has made the decision to scale back production of equipment including excavators and wheeled loaders in light of the decline in demand worldwide due to the spread of COVID-19.
Going forward, the company adds that it will review its production plans as necessary, depending on the tightening of regulations by governments in each country or region.
The Hitachi Construction Machinery Group said in a statement: "The spread of COVID-19 and their prolonged duration are having an impact on the lives of people around the world. The entire group will work together to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 from spreading and resolve the confusion." The four plants affected are:
■ Tsuchiura Works (Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki) Production adjustment period: April 13 to April 17, May 11 to May 15 Production adjustment items: Medium hydraulic excavators
■ Ryugasaki Works (Ryugasaki-shi, Ibaraki) Production adjustment period: April 13 to April 17, May 11 to May 15 Production adjustment items: Medium wheeled loaders
■ Kasumigaura Works (Kasumigaura-shi, Ibaraki) Production adjustment period: April 13 to April 17, May 11 to May 15 Production adjustment items: Components of hydraulic equipment (driving motors, reduction gears, etc.)
■ Hitachinaka-Rinko Works (Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki) Production adjustment period: April 14 to April 20, May 11 to May 15 Production adjustment items: Large hydraulic excavators
Earlier this week (on 6 April) Hitachi also gave an update on how production is being impacted across its international operations.
Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe), Netherlands: Planning to production adjustments.
Hitachi Construction Machinery (China): Resumed production (resumed steadily since February 18, and resumed production at all production lines on March 12).
Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company (India): Halting production at two plants (March 25 to April 14)
Hitachi Construction Machinery (Indonesia): In operation as usual
Hitachi Construction Machinery Eurasia (Russia): Halting production (March 28 to April 7).
