MARION, Ark. (AP) -- Hino Motors Manufacturing said Tuesday its employees' jobs are safe, even though the parts plant in Marion will slow its output to mirror a slide in sales of trucks and SUVs. The company says its employees will get reduced pay to work fewer hours.
Hino, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp., said its employees will perform plant maintenance and undergo training during the production slowdown.
Toyota is suspending production for three months of its Toyota Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV.
Hino, which makes axles and suspensions, won't offer details, but it says it is trying line up other business from Toyota.
Hino said it will provide full health insurance benefits during the slowdown and that workers will be eligible for unemployment benefits for lost hours.
The state and Mid-South Community College are to assist Hino with training.
During the slowdown, workers are expected to work three days over each five-day week, providing about 24 hours per week on the job.