HTC kicked off the weekend with an announcement that 20 percent of its US workforce has been let go. Unfortunately, it looks like 30 HTC employees and contractors are now out of a job. While the announcement that HTC is cutting back its US workforce is not a pleasant one, it’s not surprising as the company is expecting to post its first full quarter loss at the end of Q3. Sales of HTC smartphones have been on a decline for nearly two years even though the flagship HTC One has been praised by tech publications around the world.
President of HTC Americas, Jason Mackenzie announced the layoffs, emphasizing support for those leaving the company and HTC’s commitment to deliver more devices like the HTC One. “part of a broader plan to simplify our organization, sharpen our teams focus, improve our speed in decision-making, and drive greater empowerment through our team, while reducing our overall cost structure.”
“Today’s reduction in force is a decisive action by HTC Corp (US) to streamline and optimize our organization and improve efficiencies after several years of aggressive growth. Realigning its human resources against key strategic initiatives will help HTC more effectively advance into a new stage of growth and innovation. This is a hard decision that has direct impact on people who have contributed to the growth HTC has experienced the past several years. However, to achieve our long-term goals as a business and return maximum value to our shareholders, this is a necessary step to drive ongoing innovation, ensure our ability to create strong products like the HTC One, and forge strong customer relationships that solidify our future. HTC is proud of its employees and has a track record of hiring the best and brightest; we continue to hire in strategic areas and encourage impacted employees to apply for open positions that are a fit for their skills.”
– Jason Mackenzie, President of HTC Americas
Source: The Verge
This is just more bad news on top of everything else bad that they’ve endured. This company is in trouble. I dont care what anyone says. Every month without fail for the past 2yrs. Its been nothing but more and more bad news. Something is wrong here but the problems are now starting to show themselves. Use to really like this company too. But I really dont have any confidence in them anymore and the One will probably be the last device I buy from them.
Was holding out for the One Max but this kinda seals it for me. I’ve been a huge fan since their EVO line of tablets and phones and the build quality was unmatched. How can I dump big money on a phablet that they might not send updates and support months after the purchase? Guess its the Note 3 for me….
I don’t think there’s any risk that HTC will stop supporting their phones. Losing 30 odd jobs in the US from the company’s 16,000+ global workforce will not have a significant change on the way the company does business.
I dont know why you say so. This kind of thinking puts the company in bigger trouble. I ve got htc one and i dont want any other phone right now couse its just such a great device. They ve changed approach for updates. Android 4.3 is comming to htc one this or next month. Htc one max will be also a great device and i am sure they will support it.
At this point they might be ready to be acquired. Apple? Asus? Lenovo? Microsoft? how much is this company worth, anyway? How many other Taiwan companies have gone under like this one? Acer is hanging on but they are not doing very well last I heard. The competition is nasty in this market.