Unit Instruments Cuts 42 Jobs in Yorba Linda

Unit Instruments Inc. said Friday it will fire 42 employees at its plant in Yorba Linda because of a weak semiconductor market. The cuts represent about 15% of the company’s 308-employee work force. Unit, which makes parts for semiconductor-manufacturing equipment, said production also will be reduced to four days from five at its plants worldwide. The company said it hasn’t determined the amount of the charge it will take in its first quarter ending Aug. 29. “The semiconductor market is in a severe downturn, and we’re just trying to adjust our expenses accordingly,” said Gary Patten, Unit’s chief financial officer. The chip industry has been hurt by declining demand for personal computers and the Asian economic crisis. The Yorba Linda-based company agreed on July 2 to be purchased by U.S. Filter Corp., the world’s largest water-treatment company, for $50.5 million in stock. The companies expect the transaction to be completed in September after getting regulatory approval, Patten said. Unit Instrument’s stock was unchanged Friday at $10.19 a share.