CAR manufacturer Nissan is to shut down at its Wearside plant for three days because of problems arising from the Japanese earthquake.

The shutdown has shone light on the area’s dependence on the plant, with companies in Nissan’s supply chain likely to have to halt production too after the firm said it will introduce three non-working days.

An Easter shutdown at the Sunderland factory will be extended because of an interruption to the normal supply of components.

The firm has not ruled out more stoppages in future, and overtime will not be allowed on current rotas.

It means 5,000 workers will enjoy an extended holiday period, with Nissan saying the non-production days are so far just those planned for later in the year and brought forward.

Several firms across the region work with Nissan to supply parts not shipped in from Japan, with the fate of some 2,000 workers linked to the site.

Chris Robinson, director at car parts supplier Hashimoto, said it was too early to see the full impact, but sounded a note of caution. He said: “I am meeting with staff on Friday to discuss our options. It is early right now, but it is safe to say that we, like most other suppliers, will have to adapt, and do so broadly in the same way as Nissan is doing.”

He added: “We haven’t really had the time to fully work out the implications of this just yet, we’ll have a better idea as things become clearer.”

The South Tyneside-based company is one of several linked to Nissan through the supply chain.

A spokesman for Nissan said: “The effect on staff will be kept to an absolute minimum by bringing forward non-production days already planned for later in the year and by continuing to respond flexibly to the temporary disruption.

“Plant management remains in close contact with Nissan’s global supply chain function to assess the need for any further action to align production with the availability of parts on an ongoing basis.

“Demand for all Sunderland-produced models remains high, and once the normal delivery of components has been reestablished, the plant will work to recover any lost volume as quickly as possible.

“Despite the current temporary operational difficulties being faced by all vehicle manufacturers, Nissan is well-placed to respond quickly and flexibly to the current challenges, supported by the professionalism of our staff, suppliers and dealer network, and we are confident of making a complete recovery in the short term.”

On Wednesday Honda announced it will halve production at its factory in Swindon from next week until the end of May because of a shortage of parts from Japan.

The 3,000 Honda workers will remain on full pay, and the halving of production will lead to 22,500 fewer cars being built, although the firm said it will make up the production by the end of the financial year.