Jobs axe looms as Agilent restructures

Published on Saturday 4 April 2009 14:32

JOBS are at risk at the Scottish base of Agilent, part of the US technology giant which makes test and measurement equipment, following the announcement of a "major restructuring".

Agilent, which spun off from Hewlett Packard in 1999, has just under 400 permanent employees and 60 contract staff at its research and development plant in South Queensferry, on the outskirts of Edinburgh. A statement from its Californian head office said it is carrying out the international review "in response to the most severe global downturn in the company's history".

Revenue this year from its electronic measurement division is expected to be down roughly 30% from 2008, the lowest level in Agilent's 10-year history. It aims to reduce costs by $300m (202m) in that division over the next four quarters.

It also announced a further restructuring of its semiconductor and board test business to reduce annual costs by an additional $10m. The restructuring will affect about 2,700 employees.

Bill Sullivan, Agilent president and chief executive officer, said: "We have been very aggressive to date in addressing the downturn in electronic measurement markets.

"However, business remains severely depressed, and there are no prospects for a meaningful recovery in the foreseeable future. Therefore, we have no choice but to resize our electronic measurement businesses for the realities of the marketplace."

It is not yet known what the impact of the cuts will be in Scotland.

An Agilent spokeswoman said: "Restructuring plans are being worked out but no specifics are available at the moment. It will be towards the end of April before we will have clarity on the impact for employees at South Queensferry."

She added that the plant was not at risk of closure.