Japan's Sony confirmed on January 22 a previous Nikkei report that the company plans to close one of its two TV plants in Japan, according to reports by Reuters and International Herald Tribune. In light of the global economic distress and a record annual operating loss of 260 billion Yen (US$2.92 billion; US$1=89.18 Yen) to be posted by the company, Sony announced a series of measures to streamline its TV operations, which are expected to account for the largest share of the forecasted operating loss. Design and manufacturing operations at Sony's Ichinomiya facility will be terminated, while TV assembly and production will be consolidated at the company's Inazawa plant. It is estimated that around 1,000 Japanese contract workers will be affected by the announced measures. In addition, Sony plans to further cut back on work force via an early retirement program. It is proposed that spending on marketing and other operations will be scaled down as well.

Earlier in December 2008, Sony revealed that it might lay off 8,000 employees and shutter up to six plants. The streamlining measures announced on January 22 are seen as part of the December scheme.