[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Kumamoto factory of Japanese semiconductor company Renesas temporarily halted operations after being struck by lightning due to the impact of Typhoon Aere, the fourth typhoon of the season. As a result, the amount of semiconductors that can be produced is expected to be affected for up to two weeks.
According to NHK and other sources on the 7th, the power transmission line supplying electricity to Renesas' factory in Kumamoto City was struck by lightning around 5:30 a.m. on the 5th. Due to this, the voltage delivered to the factory dropped sharply, causing about 90% of the production facilities to temporarily stop operating, Renesas stated.
Renesas explained that some production facilities had already been halted until the previous evening, but there appeared to be no damage or abnormalities in the equipment. They added that the cleanroom is also maintaining its functionality at the previous level. Renesas plans to restore production volume to the previous level by the 11th.
Renesas produces automotive semiconductors at this factory. The company estimated that the damage caused by this incident corresponds to the amount of semiconductors that can be produced over a maximum of two weeks.
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