Maker of Disk Drives Cuts Work Force by 26

Microcomputer Memories, a Chatsworth-based manufacturer of disk drives for personal computers, said it fired 26 employees as a result of a change in its marketing operations.

The company said it has shifted from selling its equipment to computer equipment makers to supplying the drives directly to retailers and distributors. Microcomputer Memories said the move will cut sales but improve profit margins.

Richard Smith, vice president of sales, was among those dismissed, the company said. His position will be assumed by Rick Eirich, vice president of marketing.

The layoffs cut the company’s number of employeees to about 100, all in Chatsworth.