Panasonic, the Japanese electronics-manufacturing company has decided to quit the Indian refrigerator and washing machine markets. The production of these items will reportedly be discontinued at its Jhajjar plant, in Haryana. This calls for a restructuring that will see many employees being let go. The exact number of layoffs is yet to be officially disclosed.
The Jhajjar plant used to manufacture at least 4.5 lakh air conditioners, three lakh washing machines and five lakh refrigerators, as per reports. For the past five decades or so, the company has been a popular brand in India for televisions, air conditioners, lighting, wiring devices and even electric-vehicle (EV) components—produced across its plants in Haridwar, Sri City, Daman and Pithampur, in addition to Jhajjar—which were sold under Panasonic Life Solutions India and Panasonic Energy India.
As per media reports, the company will now be focusing on home automation, energy solutions, ventilation and cooling, electrical, B2B solutions and other growth segments of the future.
Meanwhile, dealers in the refrigerator and washing machine segments will receive assistance from the company in liquidating their stocks. They will also continue to offer customer support and service, including warranty cover and components or spare parts.
According to ET, Panasonic’s Jhajjar plant is likely to be used to manufacture for other brands, on contract.
Source – https://www.hrkatha.com/news/layoff/is-panasonic-laying-off-employees-in-india/