scene from Foxconn explosion
According to the WSJ, Foxconn has suspended production across many of its plants in China for two days while the government investigates the explosion that killed three people and injured many more.
At issue appears to be the flammable aluminum dust that comes from polishing parts like the iPad 2’s aluminum back. A student group out of Hong Kong called Sacom published a report on the dangers of flammable airborne aluminum dust in a report on May 6, saying workers complained about inhaling the dust and about poor ventilation. It isn’t clear whether the workshops referred to in Sacom’s report include the site of the accident.
The news is another setback for Foxconn, which is barely past a recent outbreak of public suicides.
The prospective plant closures and their affect on Apple’s iPad were assessed by Digitimes earlier today.
While Foxconn has dominated the contract manufacturing industry until now, analysts say Hon Hai competitors like Singapore’s Flextronics Inc. and Taiwan’s Quanta Computer Inc. could try to woo some of its customers, including Apple.
Related articles
- The Foxconn explosion might affect up to one third of total iPad 2 output (9to5mac.com)
- Explosion rocks Foxconn’s iPad 2 manufacturing plant (9to5mac.com)
- Foxconn fire may have affected iPad 2 production, Apple ups shipping times to 1-2 weeks (9to5mac.com)
