Intel eliminates 1,500 jobs in Costa Rica

4/8/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Chipmaker Intel says it’s eliminating 1,500 jobs from its assembly and test operation in Costa Rica.

The company made the announcement today in a news release.

Intel says it will keep employing more than 1,200 engineers, finance and human resources employees in the Central American country.

The company says it was a “difficult decision” but that relocating its assembly and test operation to Asia will help it meet its long-term needs.

The closure is part of a strategy announced earlier this year by Intel, which has been struggling with the negative effect of weak personal computer sales.

It says geographic closeness between plants and main markets are an integral part of the strategy.