Honda delays production at Swindon plant due to congestion at UK ports
The company says transport delays have led to a shortage of parts
Last updated 11th Dec 2020
It's been confirmed that a major South West employer has paused production for the remainder of this week.
UK port delays have disrupted the delivery of components to Honda's Swindon site, which has around 3,500 workers.
The Japanese car manufacturer only orders parts for when they are needed, so the delays have halted production.
There have been issues at several dockyards across the country in recent weeks, with the company assessing other options - including air-freight - to transport materials into the UK.
In a statement on Wednesday, the carmaker said the transport issues caused the "pause production".
It added: "The situation is currently being monitored with a view to re-start production as soon as possible".
The severity of congestion at UK ports in recent weeks means some shipping firms have been forced to reduce the amount of cargo they import.
It could have a knock-on effect on retailers ordering Christmas toys too.