onsemi Cuts 2,400 Jobs in Major Restructuring as Semiconductor Market Faces Headwinds

onsemi announced on February 25, 2025, that it will eliminate 2,400 positions, representing 9% of its global workforce, as part of a comprehensive restructuring initiative. The Phoenix-based semiconductor manufacturer cited challenging market conditions and the need to optimize operations amid declining demand in key automotive and industrial sectors. The layoffs affect employees across multiple locations, with the company emphasizing its commitment to maintaining core research and development capabilities while reducing operational costs.

Context of the Decision

The workforce reduction comes as onsemi faces mounting pressure from softening demand in the automotive semiconductor market, which had been a primary growth driver for the company. Industry analysts point to reduced electric vehicle production and inventory corrections among automotive manufacturers as key factors impacting semiconductor suppliers. The company's decision reflects broader challenges in the semiconductor industry, where companies are adjusting capacity and workforce levels after the post-pandemic boom cycle.

onsemi's restructuring aims to streamline operations and reduce annual operating expenses by approximately $200 million. The company indicated that the layoffs will primarily target administrative functions, manufacturing support roles, and certain engineering positions deemed non-critical to future growth initiatives. Management emphasized that the cuts will not significantly impact the company's silicon carbide and power semiconductor development programs, which remain strategic priorities.

Impact on Operations

The layoffs will affect onsemi's facilities across the United States, Europe, and Asia, with manufacturing sites in Oregon, New York, and the Czech Republic expected to see the most significant reductions. Administrative offices in Phoenix and Toulouse, France, will also experience workforce cuts as the company consolidates certain business functions.

Production capacity for onsemi's core power management and automotive semiconductor products will remain largely intact, according to company statements. However, the reduction in manufacturing support staff may lead to temporary efficiency challenges as remaining employees adapt to increased responsibilities. The company plans to complete the workforce reduction by the end of the second quarter of 2025.

Customer-facing roles and field applications engineers will see minimal impact, as onsemi seeks to maintain strong relationships with key automotive and industrial clients during the transition period.

Company Financial Background

onsemi has faced financial headwinds over the past year, with revenue declining 8% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The company's stock price has dropped approximately 25% since its 2024 peak, reflecting investor concerns about weakening demand in key end markets. Despite these challenges, onsemi maintains a strong balance sheet with over $1.2 billion in cash reserves.

The company's automotive semiconductor division, which generates roughly 60% of total revenue, has been particularly affected by the electric vehicle market slowdown. Major automotive customers have reduced order volumes and extended delivery schedules, prompting onsemi to reassess its capacity requirements and workforce needs.

onsemi's silicon carbide business, while representing a smaller portion of current revenue, continues to show promise for long-term growth as electric vehicle adoption eventually accelerates and renewable energy applications expand.

Industry Outlook

The semiconductor industry is experiencing a period of adjustment following several years of rapid expansion. Companies across the sector, including Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, and Infineon Technologies, have implemented similar workforce reductions as they adapt to changing market dynamics.

The automotive semiconductor segment faces particular uncertainty as electric vehicle manufacturers reassess production targets and traditional automakers slow their electrification timelines. However, industry experts expect demand to stabilize in the second half of 2025 as inventory levels normalize and new vehicle programs enter production.

Power semiconductor applications in data centers and renewable energy systems provide potential growth opportunities for onsemi, though these markets are not expected to fully offset near-term automotive weakness.

Conclusion

onsemi's workforce reduction reflects the challenging operating environment facing semiconductor companies as they navigate market corrections and evolving customer demand patterns. While the layoffs will generate near-term cost savings, the company's ability to maintain technological leadership and customer relationships during this transition will be critical for future success. The restructuring positions onsemi to emerge more efficiently structured when market conditions improve, though the timeline for recovery in key automotive segments remains uncertain.