STAFF AT Intel’s manufacturing operation in Leixlip, Co Kildare, have been told that the company expects to seek 200-300 voluntary redundancies in April.

The move is part of a wider cost cutting at group level which saw Intel announce the closure of five factories in the US, the Philippines and Malaysia in January.

At that time the company, which is the world’s largest maker of computer chips, said it would be seeking an additional 1,000 redundancies worldwide.

Intel briefed staff in Leixlip yesterday afternoon and said that it would be seeking to reduce headcount by 200 to 300 during its second quarter, which begins in April.

An Intel spokesman confirmed that staff had been briefed as part of a commitment to provide updated information within 30 days of the initial announcement.

He said the exact number of redundancies was not yet known but would depend on demand for computer products.

“The clear message is that Intel is committed to Ireland and is not closing the site,” said the spokesman. “While people are losing their jobs, the site is in safe hands.”

Last month Intel announced it would locate one of its two new European RD hubs in Leixlip, a move that was felt could lead to new jobs and investment in the future. Along with another “Open Lab” in Munich it co-ordinates the work of 800 Intel researchers at various sites in Europe.

Labour Party TD for Kildare North Emmet Stagg said he was disappointed at Intel’s announcement, but acknowledged that it could have been worse.

Fine Gael labour affairs spokesman Damien English TD said the job losses were a “devastating blow” to staff and their families, and to the county as a whole.

“It is also a psychological blow to Ireland’s hi-tech sector as Intel is a bellwether employer for the country,” he said.

“The lesson learned from Dell is that the Government waited too long to take action, resulting in the loss of all 1,900 jobs. We cannot allow a similar situation to develop at Intel.”