By TODAY reported yesterday (22 Jul) that IBM has been laying off hundreds of staff at its Tampines plant in the past few months.
It is moving its facility to Mexico.
IBM staff and subcontractors told TODAY that at least 200 people were being laid off. In fact, they revealed that few rounds of retrenchments have been carried out in the past few months.
The first and second retrenchments were carried out in May and June respectively, and a third round will take place at the end of July.
It is estimated that there are about 400 to 600 people working in the Tampines facility.
When contacted, IBM would only say that the move is part of its “continual review of the most efficient way to source our products”.
A local IBM engineer, who did not wish to be named, said that about 30 to 40 per cent of total staff were being retrenched.
DPM Tharman opened the 365,000 square foot facility amid much fanfare in 2010.
Responding to TODAY’s queries, a Ministry of Manpower spokesperson said, “We do not comment on any impending or speculative restructuring exercises of any company.”