SINGAPORE (ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES) – Dyson, based in Singapore, revealed on July 9 its decision to lay off approximately 1,000 of its 3,500 employees in Britain as part of a broader global restructuring effort.
Globally, the company employs around 14,000 staff members.
Regarding the fate of its nearly 2,000 employees in Singapore, the multinational technology firm stated that there would be no immediate impact from the recent announcement and refrained from providing additional comments.
The source understands that due to regulations in Britain regarding the redundancy exercise, the company is legally unable to provide further details on the situation at this stage.
“We have expanded rapidly and, like all businesses, periodically review our global structures to ensure readiness for the future,” said chief executive Hanno Kirner in a statement on July 9.
“As a result, we are proposing organisational changes that may lead to job redundancies,” he added, stressing Dyson’s commitment to being “entrepreneurial and agile – principles ingrained in Dyson’s ethos”.
Dyson reported in February that its global revenue increased by nine per cent to GBP7.1 billion (SGD12.3 billion) in 2023, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) rising to GBP1.4 billion.
The company, which relocated its headquarters to Singapore in 2019, has been expanding its operations significantly on the island.
In 2020 and again in 2022, Dyson announced plans to hire 250 technical and scientific experts in Singapore. Since then, the number of engineers and scientists has grown to nearly half of its nearly 2,000-strong workforce in Singapore.
Singapore plays a crucial role in Dyson’s global network of research and development laboratories, particularly in the development of new products.
In May 2023, Dyson launched its largest-ever investment in advanced manufacturing with the construction of a new 247,000 sq ft plant in Tuas. The facility, slated for completion by 2025, will produce next-generation batteries for Dyson’s future products.
Addressing the layoffs, Mr Kirner remarked, “Decisions affecting valued and talented colleagues are always deeply regrettable. Those potentially facing redundancy will receive full support throughout the process.”
