STATE COLLEGE, PA — Murata Electronics North America has announced that its U.S. manufacturing operation in State College, PA, will close by the end of March. There are 300 employees at the State College facility. Murata Electronics N.A. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a Japan-based integrated electronic components manufacturer operating worldwide as a company group with approximately 26,000 employees. Murata will continue to support North American customers from current sales-office locations in the U.S. Murata Electronics North American headquarters will remain active in Smyrna, GA.
Making the announcement, Takeshi Egawa, vice president of U.S. manufacturing, noted that as U.S. customers have moved their operations offshore, U.S.-based manufacturing has suffered a decline. Concentrating Murata production at key manufacturing sites around the world will benefit both Murata and its customers, said Egawa.
Along with this action, Murata will reinforce its service to all North American customers from its U.S. sales-office locations. Customers will continue to receive the same products, engineering support, and sales service from Murata. Vital supply chain functions, warehousing, and resale operations will be consolidated into existing facilities in the state of Georgia.
Egawa further stated that the decision was very difficult since Murata has maintained a very positive relationship with the community in State College and the surrounding area for many years. All employees will receive severance pay and benefits from the company.
