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Panasonic to Shut Chip Fab in Southwestern Japan [Jiji Press English News Service](Jiji Press English News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Kagoshima, Nov. 10 (Jiji Press)--Panasonic Corp. plans to close a chip fabrication plant in Hioki, Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, as part of an effort to downsize its television operations, people familiar with the matter said Thursday. The major Japanese electronics maker plans to begin accepting applications for employee buyouts in January as part of plans to close the plant, according to a city official. Hioki Mayor Takamitsu Miyaji was informed of the plan when he visited Panasonic's semiconductor unit in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto Prefecture, western Japan, on Wednesday. Specific schedules for the closure have not been disclosed, the city official said. Established in March 1969, the Hioki plant turns out light- emitting diode products and semiconductors. About half of the 600 workers are from the local community.END (c) 2011 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |