led Micron executives to narrow the focus on the development of LED technology

The Boise-based computer chip maker Micron Technology Inc. is scaling back on its plans to develop energy-efficient lighting technology, leading to the layoff of at least 30 workers.

Micron spokesman Dan Francisco confirmed the decision Wednesday in a story published by the Idaho Statesman. Francisco says increased competition in the LED market, a changing world economy and decision to focus on computer memory led Micron executives to narrow the focus on the development of LED technology.

The company started the LED light technology program in 2009 with the help of $5 million in federal economic stimulus cash. The division had 170 employees, and after the job layoffs 30 workers will remain with the program while another 110 have already taken other jobs with Micron.

Seesmart’s retrofit for Regis High School began by replacing the light fixtures in the gymnasium with LED fixtures. After seeing the results in the gym the administration decided to replace all of the school’s lighting with LED fixtures. Fluorescent lights were replaced with Seesmart LED tube lighting in over 100 classrooms, offices, and other educational spaces, as well as extensive hallways. The changeover included 967 new or retrofitted fixtures. Installation began in January 2012 and was almost fully completed in just three months.