MALAYSIA, 22/11/2024 (Asia News Channels) - Dyson Ltd. is reducing its hairdryer-related operations in Malaysia as part of efforts to streamline its business in the region, according to sources familiar with the matter. Impacted employees from the Johor-based facility are being redeployed to other parts of the site, including Dyson’s global development campus, which employs 1,400 people.
The company stated it continues to invest in Malaysia, producing millions of Dyson machines annually. "These labs and facilities remain central to the development and testing of Dyson’s future technologies,” the company noted. However, Dyson declined to comment on potential broader reviews of its Malaysian operations.
While no final decisions have been made, sources indicated Dyson is in early discussions regarding its presence in Malaysia. A full exit, if considered, would depend on the company’s ability to transition manufacturing elsewhere.
Malaysia remains Dyson’s second-largest global hub, with significant research, design, and development contributions from teams in the Philippines and Singapore. Dyson moved its global headquarters to Singapore in 2022, committing S$1.5 billion (US$1.1 billion) in investments over four years.
Dyson’s labor relations in Malaysia have faced scrutiny since 2019, when allegations of worker mistreatment surfaced against ATA IMS Bhd., a major supplier. Although Dyson initially defended its investigations into the claims, it later severed ties with ATA after an audit highlighted unresolved issues. ATA has denied the allegations.
The company’s facility in Senai, opened in 2000, has grown from small R&D labs to a 50,000-square-meter site hosting engineering, creative, IT, and other roles. Despite this, Dyson’s regional operations have faced turbulence, including recent layoffs in Singapore and the UK as part of global restructuring efforts.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry did not respond to requests for comment.
-- ASIA NEWS CHANNELS