KOREAN electronic giants Samsung has revealed details of a major shake-up at its North-East base.

The company is closing its operation in Billingham on Teesside and investing £3m in developing its nearby Wynyard HQ.

The work will not involve any immediate job creation, with the idea to consolidate its regional operation.

However tens of seasonal staff are expected to be made permanent in the New Year.

John Slider, deputy MD at Samsung Electronics Manufacturing(UK), said: "We are delighted to announce this new investment. There is a strong and growing demand for flat screens across Europe, and this move keeps Wynyard at the forefront of new monitor technology.

"Consolidating our operations at one site will lead to a reduction in transportation costs and increase our operational facility."

Samsung produces monitors and microwaves at Wynyard Park and the investment will see an extension of its existing PC monitor production factory, and setting up a new flat screen manufacturing facility.

Once completed it will move its printed circuit board finishing line and warehouse for finished goods.

The remaining 65 workers at Billingham will continue working at the site until next year before transferring to Wynyard. The Billingham factory, once home to Redifusion, but taken over by Samsung in 1987, is now surplus to requirements and has been placed on the market.

Human resources director Ken Donald said: "All the existing workers art Billingham will be offered alternative employment at Wynyard Park."

Samsung will start production at its new flat screen monitor production facility in March 2001 with a target of 200,000 units a year.

It hopes to avoid a seasonal reduction in temporary staff levels in its PC monitor factory by using these workers in the new facility.

The company currently employs around 850 at Wynyard rising to 1,000 at peak production times.