Technics moving all turntable production to Malaysia


I haven’t seen this reported anywhere. Heard it first from a dealer and now have confirmed it with Technics directly:

All turntables, even the SL-1000R, are leaving Japan and moving to a new facility in Malaysia. Everything’s going under one roof. Technics is halted now and they’ll start up the new production line in Malaysia on April 1. 

If the product is the same then that’s what matters most, but this definitely marks the end of an era and I’m sure the reaction will be mixed.
notman
I wonder if "Made In U.S.A." has the same reaction elsewhere....
...either a 'ring'....or a 'clunk'. ;)
I hate to hear this. It seems the next generation 4runner from Toyota (currently made in Japan) will either be made in The US or Mexico. If it's Mexico I am out. I use to travel back and forth to Juarez and Saltillo to visit manufacturing plants for automotive. High absenteeism and terrible quality control. Now, Toyota, I'm sure, will have a tighter grip than many others...but still companies put up with a lot just to save on wages. 
Buy vintage "made in Japan" gear, service at JP Jones lab if needed. 
I like Japanese culture and artisan attitude. I can't imagine myself buying  SL-1000R made in Malaysia.
It's corporate move and in short term it will be profitable.
But it's not about business it's about the soul.