MELBOURNE, Fla.-Citing a drop-off in demand for mobile-phone repairs, Nokia Corp. said Tuesday it will shutter its Florida refurbishing plant, cutting 400 jobs by September 2005.
The world’s largest handset manufacturer opened the plant in Melbourne in 1998 and is one of Brevard County’s largest employers. Layoffs are expected to begin in February.
Analysts say decreases in manufacturing costs have made phone refurbishing less cost effective. Local and state officials reportedly lobbied for the plant to stay open by offering tax breaks, loans and training programs.
