NEC 'can't rule out' Scottish DRAM job cuts

NEC today said it may cut jobs at its Scottish plant as part of an overall cost blitz at the company.

The Japanese chipmaker is looking into how to restructure its business in the UK, China and other areas after cutting staff in the US. When asked if this would include layoffs at its plant in Scotland, a representative told Reuters: "We can't rule it out."

The comment followed a report in today's Nikkan Kogyo newspaper that NEC planned to chop almost half its staff at the Scottish plant. The factory, which churns out DRAM memory, employs around 1,500 staff.

NEC said earlier this year it would stop DRAM production at the factory in 2003, and switch to more profitable products. According to the Nikkan Kogyo, this date has now been brought forward by one year.

The company is expected to make a formal announcement on restructuring plans in the UK later this month. ®

Related Links

Nikkan Kogyo site
NEC mulls job cuts at semiconductor plant