Bridgelux cuts jobs, shifts focus in how it makes LED systems

Bridgelux will cut about one-fifth of its workforce in Livermore, a move brought about by its decision to shift to cheaper ways to produce light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. Livermore-based Bridgelux is cutting 53 out of 250 jobs at its head offices in the East Bay, said Bill Watkins, CEO of the company. Worldwide, Bridgelux has about 300 employees.
These cutbacks come on the heels of the Solyndra shutdown that erased 1,100 jobs.
Bridgelux's products include LED chips that deliver electrical impulses to activate a light bulb or other lighting device. LED chips are the basis for light-emitting diodes in general lighting, cellphones, backlit units in flat-panel televisions, signs, automotive applications and camera flashes for mobile units.