Alpha Micro Lays Off 9% of Its Work Force

Hoping to return to profitability, business computer maker Alpha Microsystems said Thursday that it has laid off 33 people, or 9% of its work force, as part of a company reorganization.

Alpha Micro’s reorganization comes on the heels of a $4.5-million loss for the nine months ended Nov. 25. For the corresponding period a year earlier, the company reported a $752,000 profit.

Clarke E. Reynolds, president and chief executive, said: “Even though Alpha Microsystems has been affected by sluggish market conditions in the overall economy and in the computer industry, it has been able to hold revenues close to the prior year. This restructuring has as its major goal a return to profitability . . . in the new fiscal year” beginning Feb. 25.

David A. Young, chief financial officer, declined to say whether the company would report a loss for its fourth quarter that ends Feb. 24.

Alpha Micro’s revenue for its first three quarters was $40.7 million, off slightly from $40.8 million for the corresponding period a year earlier.

As part of the restructuring, the company will reorganize its sales force by geographic regions, instead of by product line, Young said.

To boost revenue, the company is also buying the equipment servicing business from some of its 600 dealers. The computer maker also plans to consolidate some corporate functions, but the details have not been worked out, he added.

With the 33 workers laid off, the company now employs about 300 people.