Nikon Closes Two Japanese Camera Lens Factories

Nikon is set to cease operations at two of its Japanese factories in March. Those two factories are used to produce interchangeable lenses for its digital cameras, and the remaining domestic operations will be consolidated into its one remaining factory in Otawara City.

According to a report from Nikkei, Nikon intends to consolidate its domestic production of lenses as part of its efforts to reduce costs amid a shrinking camera market. While operations will cease in March, in August, the two factories – the Nagai Plant in Nagai City in the Yamagata Prefecture and the Aizu Plant in Tadami Town in the Fukushima Prefecture – which are owned by the subsidiary TNI Kogyo will be closed... More here.

If there is one sector seriously under threat it is the traditional camera. It has of course happened over time, but I wonder if we are now starting to see the inevitable downward acceleration?