Japanese crane manufacturer Kito Corporation is donating JPY20m to a relief fund for victims of the earthquake that devastated northeast of Japan last month.

Employees of the firm, who were all fortunately unharmed, have also contributed to the JPY20m sum.

The donation will be used by the Japanese Red Cross Society to fund relief efforts by charity organisations at work in the country.

Kito Corporation expects the disaster to have a minimal effect on its business performance this year, despite disruption caused by the rolling energy blackouts imposed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The company reports that operations at its headquarters and main production facility in Yamanashi are largely unaffected.