A tale of two Lenovos

Then...

April 17, 2008 (via CBS-2):

Whitsett, NC -- A computer manufacturing and processing company opened a new Guilford County facility Thursday.

Lenovo held a grand opening of its United States fulfillment center in Whitsett, just outside Greensboro.

The 200,000 square foot facility will initially employ about 160 people. Workers will program computers, do light product assembly, custom imaging and other product figurations. They will also distribute computers throughout North America.

"I am delighted to welcome Lenovo to the Greensboro area," said Dan Lynch, president of the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance. "A leading global PC maker, Lenovo is already playing a key part in our strategy to grow jobs locally in the fast-growing technology sector."

Lenovo leaders hired 125 workers already. They hope to expand that to 160 employees but are not hiring for those jobs yet. Leaders say when jobs open, they will be posted on the company's website, www.lenovo.com.

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And Now...

News & Record, January 8, 2009:

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK - Lenovo Group said it will lay off 2,500 workers, or about 11 percent of its work force, as part of a plan aimed at helping the computer maker remain competitive amid the global economic downturn.

About 20 people at an assembly and distribution facility in eastern Guilford County will be laid off, leaving about 100 workers there.

The Beijing-based company, the world's fourth-largest PC maker, also warned late Wednesday it expects to report a loss for its fiscal third quarter ended Dec. 31. The company's global headquarters are in North Carolina.

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What a shame...

Better start thinking higher, Dan.

BTW, how many of the white-collar jobs will be lost at Lenovo in the Triangle? You know, the white-collar jobs we need here in the Triad?

E.C. :)