MARCH 12, 2020 — CLARIFICATION: 375 LAYOFFS ON MAY 31, 2020 WHEN THE COMPANY EXITS THE FACILITY
Original Post…
Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic, the iconic Japanese multinational electronics corporation, has announced that it is restructuring its global solar operations. Panasonic has decided to wind down production of photovoltaic cells and modules in the United States. As a consequence of this decision, the company will layoff 403 employees co-located at Tesla’s Gigafactory 2 located in Buffalo, New York where it produces solar panels for Tesla. The company is scheduled to clean up the facility and exit the plant by the end of September 2020.
According to a company spokesperson, “We are proud of what Panasonic has accomplished as a pioneer in the solar space and the significant role Panasonic employees in Buffalo have played in that success. The decision to transition away from U.S. solar manufacturing in Buffalo aligns with our global solar strategy, our efforts to optimize development and production, and supports Tesla’s long-term plans to continue and expand its operations.”
Clashes have been reported between Tesla and Panasonic leading Panasonic to sell products produced in Buffalo to other companies under their own brand name. For its part, Tesla appears to be using solar cells produced in China. Both parties emphasize that this action will not affect joint battery operations at Gigafactory 1 located in Reno, Nevada.
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?