A Medical Device Daily

Varian (Palo Alto, California) said it plans to eliminate about 240 regular employee and 80 temporary positions and close certain facilities.

"In the face of continuing uncertainty in the global economic environment, we are taking proactive steps to reduce our cost structure, and position us to respond to demand fluctuations while continuing to invest in new product development and maintaining our high standard of customer service and support," said President/CEO Garry Rogerson.

"We expect these actions will cost between $8.5 million and $10.5 million and result in a reduction of our annual operating expenses of between $20 million and $24 million once fully implemented. In addition to these restructuring actions, we have also instituted a salary freeze and restrictions on hiring and discretionary spending," Rogerson said.

"Looking forward, these actions, combined with the positive impact of efficiency improvement activities implemented in recent years, should help us to maintain solid adjusted operating margins and cash flow from operations even if revenues decline. We will continue to monitor the economic situation and make the appropriate business decisions to remain successful throughout this challenging period, position ourselves for the economic recovery, and deliver on our long-term strategic plan."

Varian is a supplier of scientific instruments and vacuum technologies for life science and industrial applications.