Intel Ends Presence In Philippines

[themann]

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Microprocessor giant Intel told its employees in the Philippines it will close its test-and-assembly facility in the region after over 20 years of operations.

The announcement was carried in a company e-mail sent to Intel employees at around 10am Wednesday.

The move came two months after Intel initiated its first batch of job cuts in the Philippines.

Intel said there are succeeding "phases" in the planned restructuring and promised to pay separation packages to employees who will be affected.

However, the firm had not indicated a timeline for the planned shutdown of its plant in General Trias, Cavite, south of the Philippine capital of Manila.

At least 1,800 Intel personnel are to be affected by the shut down.

Reports indicate that the U.S.-based chipmaker is also planning to shut down three other facilities in other countries, citing the global economic downturn had weakened demands for its products and reduced profits.

grabe ang laki ng impact nito on displaced workers.......