Pixar closes its Vancouver office, leaving about 100 unemployed

VANCOUVER -- Computer animation giant Pixar has shut down its Canadian operation in Vancouver, leaving about 100 employees out of work.

A statement from Pixar publicist Chris Wiggum says the company decided to focus its efforts and resources under one roof at the company's Emeryville, Calif., location.

The statement said the company was incredibly proud of the talented staff and the work they've done at Pixar Canada.

The Vancouver studio opened in 2010, creating short films such as "Air Mater," "Small Fry" and "Partysaurus Rex."

Pixar's "Finding Nemo" and "Toy Story" are among some of the highest-grossing movies on record.

The animation firm was bought by The Walt Disney Company in 2006 for $7.4 billion.

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  Former B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell holds a figure of Buzz Lightyear, from the Pixar movie Toy Story, bearing a Canadian flag in this 2010 file photo. Pixar has announced it is closing its Vancouver office, about three-and-a-half years after it opened. (Darryl Dyck/THE CANADIAN PRESS)