Merger Could Mean Growth For Computer Part Manufacturing In Eau Claire

A manufacturer of hard drive components in Eau Claire has been bought by a major Japanese electronics firm. The buyout may reverse a series of layoffs in recent years.

Minnesota-based Hutchinson Technologies Inc. has 450 employees in Eau Claire fabricating precision hard drive suspension assemblies.

Since 2006 HTI has laid off nearly 60 percent of its workforce due to slowing PC sales. But this week, HTI announced it was bought by Japanese electronics maker TDK.

“We believe that the acquisition is a great opportunity for the Eau Claire facility and we think that it represents a great opportunity to grow in Eau Claire,” said Connie Pautz, HTI’s vice president of human resources.

TDK has agreed to buy all of Hutchinson’s properties, assets and outstanding debt in a deal worth between $126 million and $140 million. At one time, HTI employed more than 5,000 in Minnesota and Wisconsin.