17 Nov 2008

Samoa car parts maker cuts jobs as global slump bites

3:12 pm on 17 November 2008

The Samoan manufacturing plant Yazaki Samoa is cutting 80 jobs.

Its general manager Funefeai Oliva Vaai has told the Samoa Observer that a slump in demand for motor vehicles overseas has prompted the decision to lay off workers.

Funefeai says they are trying to find jobs for the laid off employees through their connections in the Samoa Chamber of Commerce.

Most of those targeted for redundancies, which started last month, were employed in administration, engineering and other services.

No-one was involved in the assembling of motor vehicle wire harnesses .

Funefeai says orders for Yazaki products from car manufacturers such as GM Holden and Mitsubishi have dropped.

He indicated that Toyota orders for the month of December will determine whether there will be more redundancies next month.