Report: Intel laying off hundreds of workers in Chandler, Arizona

PHOENIX — Intel is reportedly laying off a few hundred workers this week in Chandler, Arizona after declining personal computer sales and low annual performance reviews.

Intel CEO Brian Krzanich confirmed the layoffs after a copy of a letter from him distributed to employees was leaked to the media, according to the Phoenix Business Journal.

“Yes, we are implementing headcount reductions,” Krzanich wrote in the memo. “With today’s incredible pace of innovation and change, companies consistently need the flexibility to invest in skills and experience required in new growth areas.”

Krzanich also said job performance played a part in the layoffs.

“Sometimes these reductions can come from areas of the company that have become less important, sometimes they can come from redundant activities and inefficiencies, and sometimes they can come through performance management — a focus on lower job performance.”

An Intel spokesperson declined to comment because the reports are based on internal documents.

Intel, one of Arizona’s largest employers, has about 11,000 workers in Chandler.