IBM Corp is to close the Raleigh, North Carolina-based Ambra Computer Corp within 90 days. US Ambra is a two-year old subsidiary formed to make inexpensive personal computers to be sold directly to customers, and the closure is part of the move to cut 1,500 to 2,000 personal computer jobs. IBM intends to emphasise its own brand name in future personal computers, making Ambra redundant to its core business. After unit sales grew nearly 40% last year, sales growth at IBM’s personal computer division has slumped and its high cost structure ate away its profitability. IBM is moving most personal computer development and marketing operations to its Research Triangle Park, North Carolina main manufacturing site.
