Canon to postpone construction of new Nagasaki plant

Original plans had called for starting construction in January 2009 and commencing operation in collaboration with Oita Canon Inc., also located in Kyushu, in December 2009.

According to a Canon press release, growth in demand for digital cameras has recently rapidly declined compared with original projections due to the global economic downturn. While Canon expects this serious drop in demand to continue for a period of time, the company now decided to postpone the start of construction and operation of the new manufacturing site.

With regard to future construction and operation plans for Nagasaki Canon, Canon will watch market developments for the time being and announce a revised schedule once the timing has been determined, the company said, adding taht the decision will have no impact on the hiring of individuals that have already received employment offers and are scheduled for hire from January 2009, including new graduates in April 2009. These individuals will undergo training at Oita Canon as originally planned and will be assigned work at Nagasaki Canon sometime following the start of operations at the new site.