JVC To Combine U.S. Units

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 2/2/2009

Wayne, N.J. — JVC Americas said Monday it will consolidate its U.S. operations, combining three U.S. sales companies and its U.S. service company into one unit, effective April 1.

A company spokesman said the move will include the elimination of about 15 percent of the U.S. workforce, including open positions that will not be filled.

“Any management changes tied to the consolidation will be announced at a later date,” the company said.

According to a statement announcing the changes, sales organizations will continue to operate as before “and will provide JVC’s retail partners with the same high level of service as in the past.”

“The consolidation of our four U.S. companies into a single entity will allow JVC to operate more efficiently by reducing the duplication of functions, and will strengthen JVC’s position in the U.S. market,” said Mike Saito, president, JVC Americas.

The JVC Americas division companies being combined include:

JVC Company of America, a sales division selling consumer market TVs, camcorders, audio products, accessories and recording media products;
JVC Mobile Company of America, a sales division selling car audio, video and navigation products;
JVC Professional Products Company, a sales division selling professional cameras, security and display products; and
JVC Service and Engineering Company, the service division for all three U.S. sales companies.