Japanese imaging technology giant Canon has shut down one of its major printer production facilities in mainland China, underscoring the growing clout of domestic brands in the country’s printing market.
A visit on Thursday by the Post to Canon Zhongshan Business Machines, in Zhongshan city in the southern Guangdong province, revealed little activity. The car park was nearly empty, while a dozen employees strolled outside the office building.
A worker said production had halted late last month, with remaining staff tasked with “handling the aftermath”, including severance payments and supplier settlements.
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The company, which specialises in laser printers, told employees the shutdown was attributed to a shrinking market and intensifying competition from rising local brands, according to local media reports. A public relations manager from Canon China said the plant “ceased its production and business operations on November 21” primarily due to a “shrinking” laser printer market.
The compensation was generous, workers said. For example, one employee, who worked at the plant for 10 years, expected to receive about 200,000 yuan (US$28,290) in severance. Based on the company’s disclosed average monthly pay of 4,800 yuan in the first half of 2024, the payout equated to nearly 43 months’ salary.
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Canon’s skilled workforce has already attracted attention from recruiters. Fliers were distributed outside the factory gates by local electronics manufacturers seeking to hire experienced staff suddenly available on the market.