Reorganisation
NEC Semicon Package Solutions was formed as a result of integrating back-end operations at NEC Yamaguchi and NEC Semiconductors Kyushu. The assembly and testing operations at NEC Yamaguchi were separated and transferred to NEC Semiconductors Kyushu, and the integrated business has been reborn as NEC Semicon Package Solutions. NEC Yamaguchi will intensify its focus on front-end (fabrication) operations. NEC Electronics' back-end production in Japan is now consolidated at two locations - NEC Semicon Package Solutions and NEC Fukui.
Eastman Kodak plans staff reductions at traditional film and photographic manufacturing sites in the UK and France, reflecting the increasing popularity of digital photography. The actions are part of Kodak's three-year programme to reduce worldwide employment by 12-15,000 and to reduce total facility areas by one-third.
In Harrow, UK, 300 support staff and business unit positions will be transferred to the site from other UK locations. At the same time, a facility that sensitises film (applying light-sensitive emulsions) for the graphics industry will close by the end of March 2005, affecting about 250 employees. After the changes, the site will continue to employ about 1400 employees in manufacturing, support, research and business unit functions.
In France, Kodak's Annesley plant will close by the end of September 2005, with the resulting loss of about 350 jobs and in Chalon a loss of about 270 positions will leave 1800 employees.
