After the death of a 60-year worker, crushed by a 25-ton mold, Subaru has yet to start production at its Japanese assembly plants. So far, the carmaker has lost six days of production volume for nameplates such as the Forester, Crosstrek, and the BRZ.
Subaru’s lines remain idle out of respect to the victim’s family and workers. The carmaker is also reviewing safety protocols to ensure there is not a repeat accident.
No official word has been given on when production is expected to resume, but according to reports, Subaru has informed its suppliers that only a partial startup would happen on Friday, February 23. A full ramp up may happen by Monday, February 26.
The plant accident happened on the evening of February 13, after a mold fell on a worker at the Yajima assembly plant in Gunma, Japan. A 60-year-old man, who was a 35-year veteran of Subaru, was operating a crane by himself using a remote control to lift and move 25-ton molds.
One of the molds collapsed, pinning the worker between another mold. An autopsy determined the cause of death as asphyxiation.
The shutdown affected three plants in the Gunma region, Subaru’s main production hub.
The Yajima assembly plant, where the accident occurred, makes the Impreza, Outback, Crosstrek, and Forester. The nearby Main plant makes the BRZ, Impreza, and Crosstrek as well as the WRX.
Also affected was the local Oizumi engine and transmission plant.
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