Unisys Plans to Hire 6,500 Next Year

Unisys Corp. said it will hire about 6,500 people next year to expand its growing computer services business. The hirings will increase the 33,000-member work force by 10%, the Blue Bell, Pa.-based company said. Computer services account for about two-thirds of Unisys’ revenue; Unisys said it hopes to increase that share to 80% by 2001. Unisys third-quarter profit rose 88% to $95.6 million, or 26 cents a share, largely due to growth in the company’s services business. The hiring plan marks a change of direction for the company that fired 11,900 employees in 1994 and 1995 as it struggled with mounting losses as it tried to wean itself from its slowing mainframe business. Most of the new workers will maintain and install computer networks for businesses. Unisys rose 81 cents to close at $33.88 on the NYSE.