1/24: unrelated SV Probe layoffs

Yesterday, we had another round of layoffs at work. This was the second one in the past 4 months and the third overall since SV Probe, Inc. acquired Kulicke & Soffa in November 2006.

“As a result of continuing softness in order rates in the second quarter and a difficult outlook in the months ahead, the company today has completed a reduction in force in our Santa Clara manufacturing operations. While regrettable, this action was necessary to further align our operations with the market requirements for our standard cantilever and vertical products.”

The second is the result of the company’s direction to move the majority of the manufacturing overseas to our Vietnam facility. With this change in philosophy, all the layoffs yesterday were from the manufacturing department. I heard that a total of 21 people were released. Considering our facility has only about 60-70 people, the reduction in force was very significant.