Philips Oral Healthcare moves jobs to China
November 25, 2009
By Tara Ballenger
At its peak, the Philips Oral Healthcare plant on Snoqualmie Ridge employed 300 people, including 150 people in its manufacturing division. However, since deciding in March to move the manufacturing unit to China, 75 people have quit or transferred and not been replaced.
Philips Oral Healthcare is located at 35301 S.E. Center St. File
On Oct. 30, the first seven of the remaining 75 workers were laid off. Within a year, only the 150 people in nonmanufacturing jobs will be working at the location.
“We’ve been honest and forthright from the beginning,” said David Wolf, company spokesperson for Philips Sonicare, the electric toothbrush manufactured at the Snoqualmie plant.
“We’re offering generous severance packages and we’re trying as hard as possible to take care of these workers,” Wolf said.
Some employees will be eligible for government benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which offers financial assistance and job training to American workers who have lost their jobs due to shifts to foreign production, he said.
Philips decided to move the manufacturing jobs offshore as a way to stay cost-competitive.
“We’ve had to make some tough decisions, just like all companies, especially under increasing economic pressures,” Wolf said.
The jobs that will stay in Snoqualmie include administrative and advertising positions, he said.
Tara Ballenger: 392-6434 ext. 248 or tballenger@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
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