Chip maker Intel has announced that it will make almost 300 people redundant at its Irish business.
In a statement, the US company blamed the job cuts on lower demand for older products made in its Ireland Fab Operations (IFO) facility in Leixlip, Co Kildare.
It said that, as a result, it would seek 294 compulsory lay-offs in the IFO facility. Earlier this year, Intel sought 200 to 300 voluntary lay-offs from its Irish operations, in a programme which closed in May.
Intel said today's announcement would not affect any of the jobs in the newer Fab 24 facilities in Leixlip, where the company employs around 4,500 people.
A company spokesperson said it was consolidating two of its factories - which produce 200mm wafers - at its Leixlip site because the equipment was outdated and it was producing products for which the demand was no longer sustainable.
Intel said it would engage in a 'process of consultation' with workers over the next number of weeks to determine which employees would lose their jobs. It said those affected would be given the same severance package that was on offer in the voluntary programme earlier this year. Intel said it remained 'strongly committed' to its business in Ireland.
Last week, Intel reported second quarter results which beat market expectations. The chip maker recorded a net loss of $398m, or seven cents a share, for the quarter, after taking charges related to a $1.45 billion fine imposed by EU regulators, who ruled in May that Intel abused its market position to squeeze out AMD.
