Fujifilm to close Hawaii office, lay off workers

Fujifilm North America Corp. is closing its Hawaii regional office in Waipahu by the end of March amid volatile market conditions.

The facility, established in 2002, has 24 employees, most of whom will be laid off when the office closes by March 31, the end of the company’s fiscal year.

Several will be retained as local sales representatives, though an exact number wasn’t available, said Joan Rutherford, vice president of corporate communications at Fujifilm Holdings America Corp. in New York.

“This was a very hard business decision based on market conditions, which was reached only after considering many other options, and in no way reflects on the commitment and dedication of our Hawaii employees,” she said. “Fujifilm will continue to maintain a sales force and manage distribution in Hawaii. Going forward, customers will continue to be serviced by their local sales personnel, while manufacturing will be provided by other Fujifilm facilities.”

Laid-off workers will be offered transition support, including severance and outplacement services, she added.

The company also is selling its 51,740-square-foot facility on nearly 3 acres for an undisclosed price. Fujifilm has no other offices in Hawaii.