The Wayne location never grew as big as expected; it now employs about 105 people. And 80 of those jobs are vanishing.

The decision follows Haier’s recent $5.6-billion purchase of General Electric’s appliance division. Kim Freeman, a spokeswoman for Haier, said that it made more sense to consolidate operations in Louisville, the longtime home of GE’s appliance division and 6,000 employees, rather than in Wayne.

The affected Haier employees work in sales and marketing, accounting, customer service, logistic operations, information technology, human resources, and legal affairs, according to a filing with the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Freeman said that some workers will be offered jobs in Louisville, and others will receive severance. A portion of Haier America’s digital living business will continue to be operated out of the Wayne site, which is at 1800 Valley Road.

Wayne Mayor Chris Vergano said that Haier told town officials of its plans for the move several months ago. Vergano said he believed the company has a lease on the Valley Road building, but added that the township will help the owner find a new tenant if necessary.

“Even though it’s a shame they are leaving, I’m sure the building is marketable,” Vergano said.

Wayne’s corporate landscape has been in upheaval in recent years, as several large employers — including Drake’s Bakery, the roofing materials company GAF and Bayer HealthCare — either closed or moved out of town.

However, new companies have taken over several of the vacant locations. For example, a new FedEx warehouse is being completed on the old Drake’s site on Demarest Drive, while Driscoll Foods of Clifton plans to move into the former Bayer site nearby on West Belt Highway.

And the long-vacant State Farm Insurance property on Route 23 will be taken over by CarMax.

Haier is the world’s largest appliance company. It began distributing its appliances in North America in 1999, mostly focusing on smaller appliances such as air conditioners. The June purchase of the GE Appliances unit allows the company to add larger appliances — such as washers, dryers, stoves and refrigerators — to its product line in North America.

Under Haier’s ownership, the appliances will be sold under several brand names, including Haier and such GE legacy brands as Profile and Hotpoint, according to Freeman.

GE had been trying to sell its home appliance business for several years, as it shifts its focus toward larger, industrial products such as power turbines.
Staff writer Abbott Koloff contributed to this report.

Email: lynn@northjersey.com