More Quake-Damaged Factories Resuming Operations

An increasing number of companies are restarting factories that were temporarily shut down due to earthquake damage, according to Nikkei. Asahi Breweries Ltd, the largest beer brewer, resumed operations on Tuesday at its plant in Ibaraki Prefecture. Hitachi Ltd., the electrical conglomerate, returned to partial operation at three of the seven plants suspended. Kao Corp., the largest maker of lifestyle products, restarted a portion of its Tochigi Prefecture factory that makes paper diapers, one of the most demanded relief supplies. Nikon Corp., a major camera maker, announced that five factories will resume operations Wednesday.