Hemlock Semiconductor announces layoffs, reduces production as a result of industry oversupply, international trade disputes

Citation

(2013), "Hemlock Semiconductor announces layoffs, reduces production as a result of industry oversupply, international trade disputes", Microelectronics International, Vol. 30 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/mi.2013.21830baa.002

Hemlock Semiconductor announces layoffs, reduces production as a result of industry oversupply, international trade disputes

Article Type: Industry news From: Microelectronics International, Volume 30, Issue 2

Hemlock Semiconductor Group has laid off approximately 400 employees in Michigan and Tennessee in response to significant oversupply in the polysilicon industry and the threat of potential tariffs on its products sold into China.

These actions affected approximately 300 employees at Hemlock Semiconductor’s Tennessee site and 100 at its Michigan site, as the company evaluates the longer-term impact of these conditions on its business. Should market conditions persist, these layoffs could become permanent.

As a result of these decisions, Hemlock Semiconductor’s Michigan site will continue to reduce production to align with current customer demand. The Tennessee facility, which is nearly completed with its construction phase, will maintain a minimum workforce focused on safely maintaining the site for eventual production. A number of factors will impact the exact timing of the start-up of the facility, including customer demand and resolution of the trade disputes.