700 workers to lose jobs as Taiwan firm closes Subic factory

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – At least 700 workers here will lose their jobs after a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer announced the closure of one of its largest divisions in this free port.

Wistron Corp., an original design manufacturer (ODM) of notebook computers, desktop systems, server and storage systems, information appliances, handheld devices and networking and communication products, is scheduled to close its mobile system unit this month.

Maria Teresa Esteban, Wistron’s human resource manager, said the firm, which began operations here in 1995,was set to move its mobile phone manufacturing unit to its facility in Mexico.

She said Wistron sold its products to clients, who use their own brands to introduce in the marketplace, and offers design, manufacturing and after-sales support for these products.

Esteban said their workers’ employment would be considered terminated in the first week of August.

She said Wistron decided to move its mobile division to Mexico “to meet current business development and customer requirements” in North America and Europe.

The company will retain its research and development unit and after-sales operations here. –Philippine Daily Inquirer