Job Cuts at Texas Instruments: What It Means for Utah's Tech Scene

Texas Instruments Layoffs in Utah

Three months after Texas Instruments received up to $1.61 billion in federal funding to build semiconductor factories, the company has laid off workers at its Lehi facility. A spokesperson stated that these layoffs are part of necessary changes to efficiently support long-term operational plans.

The layoffs are aimed at eliminating certain roles at the Lehi site located off Timpanogos Highway. Although Texas Instruments did not disclose the number of layoffs, they confirmed it was below the threshold for a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act) notice, which generally requires a 60-day notice for mass layoffs.

Company Overview

Texas Instruments is a major player in the semiconductor industry, designing and manufacturing products for electronics designers and manufacturers worldwide. With its headquarters in Dallas and operations in over 30 countries, the company employs approximately 33,000 people globally. In 2021, TI acquired the Lehi campus from Micron Technology for $900 million and employed 1,100 people there as of February 2023.

Future Plans and Investments

Despite the layoffs, Texas Instruments plans to add 800 new high-tech jobs and invest $11 billion in Utah as part of an agreement with the state for tax credits. At a groundbreaking event in November 2023, Gov. Spencer Cox hailed this expansion as the “greatest single economic investment in Utah history.”

In the final weeks of the Biden administration, TI was awarded federal funding under the CHIPS Act to support the construction of three advanced facilities, including two in Texas. This funding will assist in building a cleanroom and installing tools at the new Lehi plant, which is still undergoing city approval processes.

Community Impact

Lehi's communications manager, Jeanteil Livingston, mentioned that many technology companies have experienced layoffs in recent years but have not closed down completely. The city remains a “city of opportunity,” with hopes that those affected by the layoffs will find new roles in the local job market.

Texas Instruments has reassured stakeholders that it remains committed to its long-term plans in Utah, emphasizing the state’s importance to its manufacturing strategy. The company's focus is on building geopolitically dependable capacity for the future.

This is a developing story and will be updated. If you have been affected by the Texas Instruments layoffs and are willing to speak with a reporter, please email Megan Banta at mbanta@sltrib.com.