Moog Music confirms layoffs, some overseas assembly as part of 'new approach'

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Moog Music confirms employees were laid off as part of a "new approach" to ensure its "long-term financial health and continued innovation."

"Last week we made the difficult decision to adjust the size of our assembly team to better match our new approach," a written statement from the Asheville-based synthesizer company said.

The move comes after Moog Music was bought by international music company inMusic in June 2023.

In the statement, which was released Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, Moog Music said those affected by the layoffs were given "substantial support, benefits, and healthcare." The statement did not specify how many jobs were impacted.

While the company said its headquarters will remain in Asheville and continue to manufacture products like Moog One, Minimoog Model D, and legacy modular, it says it's asking some "overseas partners" to help finish assembly on some products.

'THEY WANT TO HAVE A VOICE:' MOOG MUSIC WORKERS PUSH TO UNIONIZE

"This hybrid approach will allow us to get on strong financial footing and continue designing, building, and delivering quality musical instruments for years to come," the statement said, in part.

ASHEVILLE'S MOOG MUSIC SOLD TO INMUSIC

At the time of Moog's sale, a post on the company's Facebook page said, "We are proud to keep engineering, designing, and building instruments here at the Moog factory in our hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, USA."

Moog Music is named for its founder, Robert Moog, inventor of the company's signature analog synthesizers. Moog was born in New York but moved to Asheville in the late '70s to continue his career.

--

Moog Music's full statement (Sept. 27, 2023):

We want to thank everyone who has reached out over the last several days to check in on us. As you probably know, it’s been a very hectic time at Moog. We’re making certain changes to ensure our long-term financial health and continued innovation and would like to share important and accurate information with you.

First, our headquarters will remain in Asheville where we will continue to design, innovate, and manufacture instruments of the highest standard, such as Moog One, Minimoog Model D, legacy modular, and our newest innovative products, the first of which you will see early next year. We are also asking some of our overseas partners who we’ve worked with for years to help finish assembly on some products. This hybrid approach will allow us to get on strong financial footing and continue designing, building, and delivering quality musical instruments for years to come.

Last week we made the difficult decision to adjust the size of our assembly team to better match our new approach. While this transition was challenging for everyone, substantial support, benefits, and healthcare was provided to those affected, easing their journey to new opportunities.

We are looking forward to getting past this painful phase with renewed energy and enthusiasm. We believe the brightest days for Moog Music lie ahead and are excited about our vision for the future.

Thank you for your continued trust and belief in Moog Music.