MANILA, Philippines – Japanese electronics giant Canon Inc. has officially ended its manufacturing operations in the Philippines after closing its laser printer production facility in Batangas, a move that affected about 1,400 employees and reflects the continued decline in global demand for office laser printers.
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| Photo courtesy: RTM World |
Canon Business Machines Philippines (CBMP), the company's local manufacturing subsidiary, ceased operations at its factory inside the First Philippine Industrial Park in Tanauan City, Batangas, on June 19, 2026.
The company said the decision was prompted by the long-term slowdown in the office laser printer market as businesses increasingly shift to digital workflows, cloud-based document management, and hybrid work arrangements that reduce office printing.
Approximately 1,400 employees were affected by the closure, a significant drop from the facility's peak workforce of around 5,500, with Canon saying displaced workers would receive severance benefits and job-placement assistance.
The Batangas plant opened in 2013 following an investment of about ¥18 billion, or roughly $115 million, and primarily produced laser printers and related components for export markets.
Canon clarified that only its manufacturing operations in the Philippines have ended, while Canon Marketing Philippines will continue to oversee the company's sales, marketing, and customer service activities.
The company also confirmed that production from the Batangas facility would not be transferred to another country, saying it had reviewed several options before deciding to permanently reduce its manufacturing capacity.
The closure comes months after Canon shut down its laser printer manufacturing plant in Zhongshan, China, in November 2025, citing the same weakening demand for office laser printers, suggesting a broader restructuring of its global manufacturing footprint.
In its latest annual report, Canon reported a 4.6 percent decline in laser printer sales, particularly in Europe and China, while noting that the global printing market is expected to continue shrinking as digital technologies become more widely adopted.
As part of its medium-term management strategy that began in 2026, Canon said it is placing greater emphasis on inkjet printers, digital commercial printing, industrial printing, cloud-connected office services, and the consolidation of overseas production sites to improve operational efficiency and long-term profitability.
— The Summit Express
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