Pentax to end Japanese domestic manufacturing

[David Rasnake]

PMA Newsline is reporting that according to an article in PEN News Weekly, Pentax parent Hoya has made public plans to end Japanese domestic production of all Pentax products.

The announcement is hardly surprising, given that the majority of Pentax's production – including all of its current DSLR manufacturing and its compact camera line – has been moved to the Phillippines and contract operations in Taiwan, respectively.

Pentax will transition the rest of its lens manufacturing to production facilities in Vietnam, which already produce the majority of the manufacturers optics, by March 2009.

The announcement comes as the latest component of a major restructuring of Pentax since its acquisition by optics manufacturer Hoya earlier this year.

[leaftye]

Made in the PI? Hmm, I kind of like that since I'm half filipino. That's yet another reason for me to get a Pentax. I was planning to get one anyway, but it's still nice to have another reason.

[David Rasnake]

Yep, they've been building their DSLRs there for awhile with good results. The vibe I get from long-time Pentax users is that everyone's less sure about the Vietnam lens production facility in terms of QC, though.

dr

[jetstar]

Hmm...interesting news.