Jan 17 2008
Applied Materials, Inc. today announced a global cost reduction plan that primarily affects its semiconductor equipment and services businesses and related support organizations. As part of the plan the company will reduce its global workforce by approximately 1,000 positions or about 7%, through a combination of job elimination and attrition.
“To better serve our customers, last summer we reorganized our semiconductor equipment business into a single Silicon Systems Group, and we have achieved synergies across this organization as a result,” said Mike Splinter, president and CEO. “We are focused on improving operational efficiencies and the cost structure of our businesses, as well as enhancing our ability to pursue growth opportunities.”
Applied expects to record charges of approximately $20 million related to the plan, with the majority of the charges being recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, and to complete the plan by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. The plan is expected to result in annualized savings of about $150 million from fiscal 2007 spending levels.