SI: Sony Sheds 160 DVD Manufacturing Jobs In Pitman, New Jersey

[Christopher]

Sony announced it will be moving any DVD production efforts occurring at its DADC Pitman plant to Terre Haute, Indiana, where a majority of DVD manufacturing is taking place already. The move means 160 of the plant’s 570 employees will be losing their jobs, though the plant will remain open in other manufacturing capacities, continuing to produce CDs and video games. Sony can produce up to 15 million DVDs and 18 million CDs per month at the facility. The plant’s last DVD rolled off the line Thursday.

Profits from disc-based operations have been steadily declining for most major CE manufacturers in the wake of on-demand methods, downloadable content and other instant services. The Pitman facility will still continue to manufacture Music CD’s and Playstation game discs.

Lisa Gephardt, Sony’s Senior Director of Communications, said the decision was made to “take advantage of operating efficiency and lower costs.”

“We have very little manufacturing in Gloucester County and to lose even more jobs is devastating,” said Michael Batten, mayor of Pitman. “I think about single parents, people who need to put food on the table, and I wonder where they will turn next.”

In a written statement released by Sony, “economic hardships and the current competitive landscape,” made the move a necessity.

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