Newport plans closings, layoffs to integrate Spectra-Physics

To save $10-12 million per year, Newport Corp. plans to shutter two manufacturing facilities, consolidate product lines, operations and administrative functions, and layoff 75-100 employees, following its recent acquisition of Spectra-Physics in mid-July. Newport will make these changes over the next nine months.

By Staff October 1, 2004

To save $10-12 million per year, Newport Corp. plans to shutter two manufacturing facilities, consolidate product lines, operations and administrative functions, and layoff 75-100 employees, following its recent acquisition of Spectra-Physics in mid-July. Newport will make these changes over the next nine months. The plants that Newport will close include one it acquired in Oroville, CA, and an existing facility in Chandler, AZ. Manufacturing activity at these two plants will be relocated to other facilities in California and Arizona.

Meanwhile, duplicate product lines, administration and operations identified in the U.S. and Europe will be consolidated into other company locations. Newport adds that it’s downsizing mostly due to these consolidations, and that redundant positions will be eliminated in operations, information technology, accounting, marketing, communications, and human resources. While some current staff will be relocated and some other new ones hired, Newport acknowledges its overall plan will reduce its total workforce by 4-5%.