KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) - Applied Materials is closing its manufacturing facility in Libby, but is offering all 17 employees similar positions at its Kalispell location.
Spokesman Kevin Winston says it was not an easy decision, but Applied Materials feels that combining the staff in one location is best for employees and the company.
The Libby facility has been open for nearly 15 years. The closure takes effect on Oct. 1.
Applied Materials is a global supplier of chip-making equipment for smartphones and other computer technology. The Kalispell site develops components used to create semiconductor and display technology. The Libby site is a sub-assembly plant for the Kalispell plant, which has 550 employees.
Winston says employees who choose to transfer to Kalispell will receive relocation assistance, while those who do not will receive severance benefits.
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