Canon UKI office closure jeopardises 450 jobs

Japanese firm will move its UK and Ireland operation to EMEA headquarters in Uxbridge

Canon is set to close its office in Reigate, jeopardising up to 450 jobs.

The Japanese firm will move its UK and Ireland operation to its Uxbridge facility, which acts as the headquarters for its EMEA operation.

Canon confirmed the news in a press release on its website, with Reigate MP Crispin Blunt stating that the move means 450 employees face redundancy or relocation.

The vendor said the office move means the Reigate base will have "significant overcapacity for future requirements".

UK managing director Yusuke Mizoguchi said: "Canon UK&I is one of the most important national sales organisations in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and will continue to retain its own identity, with a very clear focus on sales and marketing for the UK and Ireland markets.

"Given that the EMEA HQ has been based in the UK for many years, it makes strategic sense to seek out opportunities to create a more streamlined operation while increasing our overall competitiveness.

"Having a joint location will enable us to look for opportunities to share resources and run a more efficient organisation which will also create some broader group opportunities for some of our UK employees."

Reigate MP Crispin Blunt was quoted as saying that the move means that around 450 staff face redundancy or relocation.

He also claimed that Brexit uncertainty and a weak sterling contributed to Canon's decision.