Tyco Electronics announces more U.S. layoffs

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Electronics and telecommunications components maker Tyco Electronics Ltd. says it is laying off more employees across the United States.

Spokesman Mike Ratcliff says the company told a "substantial" number of employees this morning that they are losing their jobs, although he wouldn't say how many.

The layoffs affect employees at many different facilities, including those in central Pennsylvania, the Greensboro-Winston-Salem area in North Carolina, and Menlo Park and Redwood City in California.

Ratcliff blames the layoffs on a steep drop in demand for Tyco products that has accompanied a global economic plunge.

The layoffs are another step by the company toward reducing its worldwide work force by 20,000 by the end of September.

The Bermuda-based company has operational headquarters in Berwyn, Pa.