Craig Naylor, Group CEO, NSG, gives an update of the situation regarding their operations in Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March. Mr Naylor said: "Thankfully, no casualties amongst immediate employees were reported, and there was minimal disruption to operations. However, many people have been affected in other ways and the events will have a long-lasting impact, not only in Japan, but elsewhere in the world. We have been impressed by the professional and efficient way our people and operations in Japan coped with the emergency, against a backdrop of national mourning and major transport and infrastructure disruptions in parts of the country. The immediate effects on our commercial operations are mixed. Building Products Japan has a major role to play in the repair and rebuilding programme and is working very hard to keep up with domestic demand. We are ready to support them from other parts of the Group if necessary. Though our own major Automotive OE facilities were not directly affected, it will take the industry as a whole some time to rebuild supply chains and resume full production. Speciality Glass faces similar issues, with a shortage of key components leading to disruption in some sectors. It is still too early to assess the longer-term impact on the wider economy, our customers and suppliers. I can, however, reassure everyone that we are working to ensure that all our facilities in Japan resume normal operations as soon as possible. We also intend to play our part in helping the Japanese people and economy recover from this tragedy."
