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
Go vintage, buy a better Technics, look for SP-10 mk III (made in Japan) and EPA-100 mkII Boron-Titanium tonearm. 
The dealer have just refunded me at the same price i bought.
End of Malaysia SL1200G EGS's story for me.
Can you give us anything specific on the quality VS the made in Japan units? A pic of the mfg sticker is not cutting it.
I remember shamefully being relieved my Boxster was built in Germany (by real Germans!) instead of Finland. Super nuts, but oh well.