GM to idle four plants because of Japan quake supply chain disruption

(April 23, 2016) DETROIT — As General Motors continues to assess the potential impact on its supply chain from the recent earthquakes in Japan, it is taking proactive steps to mitigate a part supply issue and is adjusting production schedules at four of its North American assembly facilities.

The manufacturing operations at the following GM North America assembly facilities are currently expected to be down for two weeks beginning April 25: Spring Hill, Tenn.; Oshawa Flex Assembly, Canada; Lordstown, Ohio; and Fairfax, Kan.

Collectively, the plants produce the Buick LaCrosse and Regal; Cadillac XTS and XT5; Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox, Impala and Malibu; and GMC Acadia. Three of those vehicles are redesigned models that are in launch mode: the 2016 Cruze, from Lordstown; and the ’17 Acadia and ’17 XT5, from Spring Hill, each began shipping to dealers in recent weeks.

This temporary adjustment is not expected to have any material impact on GM’s full-year production plans in North America.  In addition, the company does not expect a material impact to its second quarter or full-year financial results for GM North America.