Japan's Auto Parts Makers Struggle

ISHINOMAKI, Japan - In the days after Japan's earthquake and tsunami, Masahiko Horio knew he had to get his factory back online quickly.Customers were clamoring. The backlog of orders swelled.The zinc and aluminum widgets made by his company, Horio Seisakusho Co., appear insignificant at first glance. But the tiny metal components represent a vital fraction of the thousands of parts used in a single car.The global supply chain that feeds the giant automakers - Toyota, Honda and General Motors - begins at unassuming companies like Horio Seisakusho. Japan's recent disaster showed that one missing link can grind production lines around the world to a halt

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