Ricoh Electronics Inc. will eliminate more than a third of the employment base at its Tustin headquarters as part of a global restructuring of its manufacturing operations.
The office equipment maker confirmed to the Business Journal that it will cut 147 jobs by Jan. 3, based on a filing with the state Economic Development Department.
That’s 36% of its OC operation, which Business Journal research shows had 403 workers through December.
“We continue to review our operations and look for ways to improve the customer experience, simplify our processes and maintain competitiveness,” Human Resources Manager Kim Kline said in an emailed response.
The job losses account for less than 1% of its U.S. employment base. Kline said it doesn’t plan further cuts.
Ricoh makes digital copiers, assembles chips onto circuit boards, and builds all-in-one machines that can print, copy, scan and fax. Its Tustin unit is part of Tokyo-based Ricoh Co. Ltd., which operates in about 200 countries and has annual sales of about $21 billion.
— Chris Casacchia
