Subaru Restarts Forester And Crosstrek Production After Abrupt Shutdown

Subaru Corporation released its first official statement on the plant shutdown in Gunma, Japan. I reported previously in two other reports that a factory worker's accidental death shut down production of the 2024 Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, WRX, and BRZ that are manufactured for U.S. customers. 

Subaru says the plant resumes plant operations today. Here is the official statement from Subaru Corporation.

"On February 13, 2024, a workplace accident occurred at the Yajima Plant, one of our Gunma Manufacturing Plant facilities, resulting in the loss of an employee. We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased and his family."

"From the day of the accident, we sequentially suspended operations at all facilities of the Gunma Manufacturing Plant, prioritizing the deceased's family and employees working at the plant. We took the time to carefully consider measures to ensure our employees' safety and peace of mind and prevent such accidents from happening again."

"After a thorough review, we have decided to resume operations as outlined below. As we resume operations, we will further strengthen our commitment to prioritizing the safety of our employees."

Facilities:

• Main Plant, Yajima Plant (Automobile plant)
• Oizumi Plant (Engine and transmission plant)
• Restart date: February 26, 2024 (Suspended operations: 8 working days)

Here is what I know about the plant shutdown

The Subaru plants in Japan suspended production after a veteran worker was crushed to death, Japanese media reported. Police identified the worker as a 60-year-old man who was a 35-year veteran of Subaru Corporation.

Subaru Forester, Crosstrek Production Comes To A Halt Due To A Worker’s Death @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #crosstrek #impreza #wrx #brzhttps://t.co/IbxJxw7ZmQ
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) February 20, 2024

The accident happened on February 13, after a 25-ton mold fell on a worker at the Yajima assembly plant in Gunma prefecture north of Tokyo.

The local Jomo Shimbun reported that the man operated a crane using a remote control to lift and move 25-ton molds. One of the molds collapsed, pinning the worker between another mold. An autopsy determined the cause of death as asphyxiation.

Where the accident occurred, the Yajima assembly plant manufactures the Impreza compact hatchback, the Outback (Japanese-spec), Forester, and Crosstrek (Base and Premium U.S.-spec) SUVs. 

A Subaru Plant Shutdown Could Affect New Forester Production @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforester #foresterwilderness #forestersporthttps://t.co/tqpJ28zeev
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) February 18, 2024

The nearby Main plant makes the BRZ sport coupe, Impreza compact hatchback and Crosstrek (Japanese-spec), the WRX sports car, and the Levorg sportswagon.  

What does it mean for customers?

After a nine-day plant shutdown, Subaru customers in the U.S. and Canada could experience delays with the new Forester (next-generation 2025), 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, BRZ, and WRX models manufactured in Japan.

This is the latest information regarding the Subaru plant shutdown. I'll keep you updated with any new information.

Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest Subaru updates. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek plant shutdown story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

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I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

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photo credit: Subaru USA