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Crestron Goes on the Record on Recent Layoffs

Published: January 19, 2024
Kiattisak / stock.adobe.com

Recently, Commercial Integrator got wind of a possible reduction in force (RIF) at Crestron Electronics, the Rockleigh, N.J.-based solutions provider whose products run the gamut from control hardware and software to commercial and residential speakers.

As one of the largest vendors in the commercial AV category, Crestron attracts attention for everything it does, including for its personnel and HR decisions. That’s despite the fact that, these days, RIFs are quite common, especially in the tech sector. In just the last several months, companies like Google, Citi, Amazon and others have either initiated layoffs or telegraphed plans to make them.

Indeed, within our own industry, we see much of the same, including weekly — if not more frequent — posts on LinkedIn wherein our partners and industry colleagues announce they’re now “open to work.” It’s the kind of thing that can get folks talking.

Nevertheless, rumors about Crestron were definitely aswirl. So, CI’s editors approached the company to gain clarity on whether it has, indeed, cut its workforce. We also inquired about how such changes will affect the company’s operational readiness moving forward.

Here, Crestron’s CEO, Dan Feldstein, goes on the record for a CI exclusive about recent changes at the company.

Although Crestron, as a privately held company, does not wish to share specifics as regards the number of people affected, Feldstein acknowledges to CI that leadership initiated a RIF over the past several weeks.

Contrary to some rumors already swirling, Feldstein says that the move “[is] impacting a small portion of our overall staff.” He also points to the broader lens through which we frame this story, saying, “While any reduction in force is significant, particularly to those directly affected, this action is not unusual for a large technology company like Crestron.”

Citing Crestron’s ongoing evolution over 50-plus years, Feldstein says, “Crestron must periodically step back and ensure we are making the right investments and have the right team in place.” He adds, “Evaluating the capabilities of the team, ensuring that investments are aligned with current and future demand, and adjusting to meet business requirements are key elements of our proactive strategy.”

Feldstein describes the RIF decision as a difficult but necessary one. He adds, “[These decisions] allow Crestron to remain agile, responsive and innovative.”

Of course, the supply-chain disruptions and very long lead times of recent years are still fresh in many industry members’ minds. Although Crestron was not the only industry manufacturer affected — not by a long shot! — a lack of availability of some tiny but essential components did push out Crestron lead times to many months in some cases.

According to Feldstein, Crestron’s recent RIF should not worry integrators who might harbor concerns about getting the products they need.

“This change will not impact the delivery of Crestron products and services, and [it] enables us to focus our investments in developing new innovations,” he says. Indeed, Feldstein declares, “We are past the supply-chain crisis….”

In fact, Feldstein describes Crestron as being “project ready,” saying that “practically our entire portfolio” is currently available. Feldstein also mentions the recent introduction of an Estimated Product Availability tool, which will help integrators more effectively plan for major projects.

Ultimately, Feldstein’s message is that Crestron, despite the recent RIF, is not entering a defensive crouch or retrenching to a cautious posture. Instead, he says, “Crestron is focused on the future. We have big plans for 2024 and beyond.”

Hey! This is one of our Most Read Stories of 2024! If you’d like to read the rest of them, check out our year-end roundup.

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