Hewlett-Packard Closing Plant In Vancouver

Between 200 and 250 workers for Hewlett-Packard Co. are losing their jobs after the California-based firm announced it is closing its printed circuit assembly division here.

The company said it attempted to sell the division but there were no takers.

In a cost-saving move, Hewlett-Packard plans to buy its printed circuit assemblies from a contractor, probably in the Portland area.

The affected workers will be phased out of their jobs by the end of this year.

All will be offered new positions with Hewlett-Packard, said H-P spokeswoman Beth Quartarolo, but most probably would have to relocate if they choose to accept because hiring at other H-P divisions in Vancouver has been slow for the past two years.

Hewlett-Packard employs 3,000 people at two plants in Clark County, Wash.