Despite a slowdown in the shipment of some auto parts from earthquake ravaged Japan, Toyota's wheel manufacturing plant in Tilbury is rolling along and not anticipating any layoffs.
Deryl Sturdevant, president of CAPTIN (Canadian Autoparts Toyota) told the South Delta Leader the plant has had to adjust to the shortage of Japanese-made parts that go into North American produced Toyota vehicles, but ways to avoid any job losses locally have been implemented.
Last week, the facility on Progress Way was shut down to manufacturing to reduce the build up of inventory, but all staff were tasked with clean up, training and maintenance duties.
"We've had the challenges of a global recession, and recall issues, and have never had to lay off any staff," Sturdevant said, adding none of the the 330 employees at the plant have had their livelihoods impacted.
With the Japanese economy and its national manufacturing sector still facing challenges to rebound following the March 11 quake that shook the northern portion of the country, Sturdevant said he anticipates future slowdowns.