Sony to Close Last US Television Factory

Who knew that Sony still made some of its television sets in the US? Well they do -- but not for much longer.
The Japanese electronics behemoth has decided to close 5 to 6 more factories as part of a global restructuring, and has now said that the plant in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania will be one of them. The 560 people employed there will all lose their jobs.

This comes on the heels of Sony's larger announcement, that it plans to close around 10-percent of its 57 factories around the world. The number of layoffs is said to be around 8,000, along with a similar number of temporary workers.



"The current economic climate was a key factor that led us to make the strategic business decision to streamline our manufacturing operations not only in the U.S. but worldwide," said Stan Glasgow, president and chief operating officer of Sony Electronics, in a statement. The combination of the harsh economic conditions, along with the strong Japanese yen is hurting the company; in reaction, Sony has says it will have to hike some product prices in 2009.

The doom and gloom continues. [From: PC World]

Tags: economic crisis, EconomicCrisis, economy, hdtv, made in usa, MadeInUsa, sony