Harman to cut 80 as sales slow

HARMAN Technology, the photogrpahic products group, has announced plans to cut 80 jobs at its headquarters in Mobberley, Cheshire.

The firm, created by a management buyout of the analogue products division of Ilford Imaging in 2004, said it had suffered a slump in sales due to the recession.

A source cose to the business said up to 50 people left the firm at the end of April.

In a statement Harman said: “Whilst our business is robust, there is no escaping the fact that we are in the midst of a global recession. Times are hard for all manufacturers and Harman technology is no exception.

“With people spending less on non-essential items – including photo-imaging products – we now find ourselves in a position where our capacity exceeds demand.

“We do have the ability to ride out the current economic downturn but only if we take action – and take it now. We need to ensure we are not overstretched or over-resourced and that we are operating a lean business in lean times. As such, we are faced with the need to undertake a programme of restructuring.”

Harman, which employs around 350 people, said the job losses would come from across all areas of our operation.

The statement added: “The board would also like to reiterate that this is a situation resulting from the current economic climate and not from issues specific to our business. Taking these steps now will enable us to survive the recession and to explore new opportunities for success and growth once the economy has recovered.”

Harman specialises in traditional black and white photographic paper and still trades as Ilford Photo in this market. Since the buyout it has broadened its range and has launched inkjet media products for the fine art printing sector.