SINGAPORE (Sept 23): Panasonic will consolidate its compressor manufacturing operations to its existing facilities in Melaka, Malaysia, and Wuxi, China, including the casting operation over to its current factory in Melaka as well.

This is following its plan to cease the manufacturing of refrigeration compressors in Singapore by the end of September 2022.

In its website today, Panasonic said the move was taken due to “the challenging global business outlook and following Panasonic’s long-term business strategic review of the refrigeration compressor business portfolio”.

“There are a total number of 700 employees who will be affected by this review process,” said the Japanese firm.

However, Panasonic said its Research & Development (R&D) will retain its operation in Singapore, and “we will continue to serve as the global headquarters of the refrigeration compressor business.”

The Panasonic group in Singapore will continue to have more than 1,400 employees across various business domains, including high-value manufacturing, R&D, and its Asia Pacific Headquarters.