SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Fairchild Semiconductor International Inc. is idling operations for one week next month, and a spokeswoman says there may be another furlough week in April.
The company already has taken furlough weeks in November, in January and last week. The move is companywide and affects 850 workers at Fairchild's home base in South Portland.
A company spokeswoman says the temporary shutdowns are the result of a slowdown in the microchip industry.
The company reported this week that sales were down 25.7 pecent in the fourth quarter. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said Monday it lowered its credit rating for Fairchild to "BB-" from "BB." Both ratings are non-investment grade, also known as "junk."