600 jobs axed at microchip factory

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Atmel said the site in North Tyneside was affected by a restructuring move to reduce costs and enhance profitability.

The company does not recognise trade unions but said it was embarking on a comprehensive consultation exercise with its workers as a result of the announcement.

Chief executive Steven Laub said: "The sale of our North Tyneside facility is a major step forward in transitioning Atmel to a manufacturing model which will improve our cost structure and increase shareholder value.

"Atmel has many hard-working, dedicated employees who serve our customers and our company admirably.

"We are committed to treating employees with respect and helping ease the transition for employees at the North Tyneside facility as production is concluded."

The company said it was switching production from North Tyneside to its factories in Colorado in the US and Rousset in France.

Davy Hall, regional official of the Unite union, commented: "This is a devastating blow for the region and for British manufacturing.

"These are high-quality jobs which are now disappearing."