Devastating earthquake hits Japan: Sony factories closed, Fujifilm helps affected customers

Two earthquakes hit the Kumamoto area in southwestern Japan last week. These deadly quakes have taken the lives of at least 41 people, and have caused extensive damage to the important manufacturing region.

A Sony image sensor factory in Kumamoto was evacuated as a precaution following the first earthquake, but a second quake hit and has extended the plant's closure. A second Sony image sensor plant in nearby Nagasaki, which like Kumamoto is on the island of Kyushu, is also partially closed pending evaluation of damage. The two plants supply CMOS image sensors for smart phones, such as Apple's iPhone.

 

Sony image sensor plant map. The Nagasaki and Kumamoto were closed by the quakes.

In more positive news for Fujifilm customers living in the affected areas, any damage to their Fuji products (except for that caused by fire or immersion) will be covered at a reduced rate. A 50% discount will be applied to the standard repair fee. Fire and immersion damage, provided that the product can be repaired, will be covered by a different special rate. More information on this policy can be viewed here.

The full extent of the damage caused by these two earthquakes is not yet clear, but it is good to see companies like Fujifilm acting swiftly to take care of their customers in the impacted region.

(Seen via Sony Alpha Rumors and Fuji Rumors)