Toshiba America to Cut Work Force 7%

Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc. said it will cut its work force by about 7% because of expected weak revenue. The semiconductor maker said it is reducing its work force nationally because of the weak market and a cost-cutting program it began 18 months ago that has resulted in higher productivity. The company did not release the total number of employees affected. Executives could not be reached for immediate comment. “The industry is in its second year of unprecedented plunging margins, and to this point we have managed by a combination of controlling expenses and streamlining processes,” said Bob Brown, president of Toshiba America. “However, we believe recovery lies some months ahead and cannot be accomplished without this head-count reduction.” The Irving-based company is a unit of Japan-based Toshiba Corp.