Wellington, Nov 21 NZPA - Rakon Ltd is reducing its workforce by 45 in a bid to streamline its Auckland manufacturing operation.

The designer of quartz crystal and oscillator products has almost reached the end of a consultation process with about 45 staff affected, said managing director Brent Robinson.

The company said it was improving its productivity by increasing automation of manufacturing.

Most of the jobs are to be cut in manufacturing, though a few administration staff are affected.

"Our engineering and R&D teams, which provide the product and process innovations that drive our business, remain at full strength," he said.

Rakon last week reported first half net profit fell 66 percent to $1.98 million.

The result was affected by an increase in depreciation and financing costs plus a higher effective tax rate.

"We are making these staff reductions now to ensure Rakon is in a strong position to be able to capitalise on both near term and future growth opportunities," Mr Robinson said.

"We have not made any reduction to our large engineering group and are ensuring we are in a good position to capitalise on new market opportunities."

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