Yokohama resumes work at Philippines plant

Clark Freeport, Philippines — Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc. (YTPI) has resumed production on a limited basis at its factory in Clark Freeport, a week after a fire destroyed a warehouse on the factory grounds, according to a translation of a statement posted in Japanese on the firm's corporate website.

In the statement, Yokohama said there was partial damage to buildings and production facilities, primarily in the northeast section of the factory complex, plus destruction of products stored in the warehouse.

Yokohama also said it is still evaluating the impact on production capacity and on the consolidated business results.

Regarding the areas affected by the fire, the local fire department is still limiting access.

The company also said it has been preparing to resume production in the affected area — conducting inspections and cleaning of equipment — and is still awaiting final safety confirmation from the fire department.

YTPI is a subsidiary of Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., which opened the Philippine tire factory in 1998 in Clark Freeport Zone, formerly the US Air Force's Clark Air Base.

With a capacity of 12.5 million tires a year, the plant is Yokohama's second largest worldwide.