The U.S. unit, which supplies hoses to Japanese carmakers, has switched to manual production and shipping in order to keep parts flowing to customers, it said in a media release.

"We are investigating what impact this may have on our customers, and we will promptly disclose any necessary information," the company said.

Nichirin also posted a warning on its website about possible spoof emails that appeared to be from the company and asked recipients not to open any attached files.

(Reporting by Tim Kelly; editing by Jason Neely)