(Credit: Yomiuri Shimbun Asia)
Newspaper agency Yomiuri Shimbun Asia has reported how Sony and Nikon's digital camera factories have both been fully submerged adding that there is "no prospect of recovery". The report further notes that it may take several months before full operation resumes.
The official word from Nikon is that the flood has halted production which may result in the shortage in supply of their products. According to the statement, access to the factory has been cut off with buildings and premises submerged and water levels are as high as 2 meters.
It looks like this natural disaster will be a challenge for camera-makers—especially Nikon and Sony--with Christmas just two months away. Also, if they shift manufacturing back to Japan, consumers may see a rise of prices due to the strong Yen and higher costs back in the home country.
On a related note, Canon's printer factory has also been affected and they are considering moving their operations to other parts of Thailand. Also, hard drive production has also been affected as key component suppliers, Nidec Corp and Hutchinson Technology, are also located in Thailand.
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