Japanese chipmaker Renesas to cut less than 5% of global workforce

JAPANESE chipmaker Renesas Electronics will cut less than 5 per cent of its global workforce, amounting to fewer than 1,000 positions, as it grapples with sluggish demand for its chips.

Renesas, whose customers include automakers Toyota and Nissan, has also cancelled salary increases including for executives planned for this spring.

The company did not provide an exact number of jobs to be cut.

The layoffs will enhance the company’s “ability to execute the long-term growth strategy, while taking into consideration continuing market softness”, Renesas said.

Known for automotive chips, Renesas is diversifying its business and last February announced it would buy electronics design firm Altium for US$5.9 billion.

Renesas shares fell 3 per cent in Tokyo trading on Wednesday (Jan 8). REUTERS