SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA -- Intel yesterday announced plans to cut 1,500 jobs from its assembly and test operation here as part of a planned migration of manufacturing to Asia. The cuts affect more than 50% of the semiconductor manufacturer's workforce here. In a press statement the company said the decision was in line with its strategy to develop "geographic closeness between plants and main markets."

After the job cuts, Intel will have roughly 1,200 engineers and other employees in Costa Rica.