Foxconn Explosion Could Cut Apple’s iPad2 Production by 500,000

The explosion at Foxconn’s plant in Chengdu, China Friday night, a manufacturing location for Apple Inc.’s (AAPL) hot-selling iPad tablet computer, could cause a production shortage of 500,000 Apple iPad 2 in Q2’11, based on a new assessment from IHS iSuppli.

Total iPad 2 production volume at the high-tech plant amounts to about 500,000 units per month.

If the explosion translates into a production shutdown until the end of June-which might or might not occur, based on the results of the still-pending investigation–a production stoppage of 500,000 units could result, the firm added. If the production suspension last longer, the effect on production could be even greater, it states.

Apple shares were down $1.03, or less than one percent, to $333.47 in recent trading.

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