End of an era: Canon closes China printer plant as Japanese brand loses to local rivals
Closure marks a turning point, where Chinese brands have not only caught up with foreign rivals but have also begun to dominate home 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.
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.
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.