Canon Business Machines Philippines (CBMP) ended production at its laser printer manufacturing facility in Batangas on June 19, 2026, marking the Japanese electronics company's exit from manufacturing operations in the Philippines and affecting around 1,400 workers.
Located at the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) in Tanauan City, the facility manufactured laser printers primarily for export. It began commercial operations in 2013 and previously employed around 5,500 workers at its peak.
Declining demand drives factory closure
Canon attributed the shutdown to declining global demand for office laser printers as businesses increasingly adopt digital workflows, cloud-based document systems, and paperless operations.
The closure also reflects broader challenges in the printing industry, where changing workplace practices have reduced demand for traditional printing equipment.
In its 2025 annual report, Canon reported declining laser printer sales amid weaker market conditions, particularly in Europe and China. The company has also been shifting its business focus toward inkjet printing, commercial digital printing, and industrial solutions.
The Batangas shutdown followed the closure of Canon's laser printer manufacturing facility in Zhongshan, China, in November 2025, as the company continued adjusting its global production capacity.
Canon operations continue despite manufacturing exit
Despite the factory closure, Canon Marketing Philippines will continue its local operations, including product sales, marketing, and customer service.
Canon clarified that CBMP and Canon Marketing Philippines are separate legal entities, meaning the manufacturing shutdown does not affect the latter's regular business activities.
Affected workers were also expected to receive severance packages and job-placement assistance. However, specific financial details of the compensation packages were not publicly disclosed in the reports reviewed.
Impact on Batangas manufacturing sector
The closure marks a significant development for Tanauan City and the surrounding industrial community, where the facility had supported export-oriented manufacturing and provided employment for more than a decade.
With around 1,400 workers affected, the shutdown highlights the challenges facing traditional manufacturing industries as multinational companies adjust their operations to changing global demand.
For the Philippines, Canon's exit underscores the importance of attracting new investments, strengthening local manufacturing, and creating alternative employment opportunities for workers affected by industrial restructuring.
