Hemlock Semiconductor: 400 layoffs now permanent - WNEM TV 5

A Michigan-based silicon products company says it's making permanent the layoff of 400 workers at sites in Michigan and Tennessee, a move forced by a supply glut and trade conflicts with China.

Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. announced the layoffs in January and now says they'll be permanent. They affect 300 employees at a site in Clarksville, Tenn., and 100 at its home base in Saginaw County's Thomas Township, near Saginaw.

Spokesman Jarrod Erpelding said that there's no sign of resolution of the trade disputes that led to the job cuts.

"The last few months have been extremely difficult for the Hemlock Semiconductor team, as a lot of talented, hard working employees are leaving the company," said Andy Tometich, president of Hemlock Semiconductor.  "Moving forward, our Michigan site will continue to align its production with current customer demand and our Tennessee facility will focus on safely maintaining the site for eventual production."

Impacted employees are being offered a severance package which includes access to health benefits and outplacement services.

The company makes high-purity silicon materials for use by semiconductor and solar ingot/wafer manufacturers.

------

Online: http://www.hscpoly.com

Copyright 2013 WNEM (Meredith Corporation).  All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.