Local News

The sales slumps in the auto and consumer electronics industry caused by the economic downturn has led to layoffs by the major semiconductor companies with plants in Kyushu. These layoffs include both regular employees as well as temporary or part-time workers. Rohm, which has four affiliated companies in Kyushu, reported a 14.4% drop in consolidated sales on their interim report. They plan to eliminate 10% of the workforce at a Miyazaki plant they bought in October.