Wavecom lays off workers in U.S., France

French wireless parts maker Wavecom on Friday announced it is cutting nearly 35 percent of its work force and reorganizing its business. One new customer-focused business unit will deal with personal communications devices such as cell phones, smart phones and personal digital assistants. A second will take aim at the automotive industry and the wireless local loop sector. Two other units will focus on design and development of packaged products and on research into newer technologies.

The job cuts will occur mainly in France and the United States. When the staff reductions end in mid-2004, Wavecom expects its work force to total 560 people. It had 860 employees at the end of 2003. The cost of restructuring is likely to be reflected in the company's results for the first and second quarters of 2004.