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STMicroelectronics, the Swiss semiconductor firm, is to close three factories in the US and Morocco, putting 4,000 jobs at risk. The affected plants, in Texas, Arizona and the Moroccan city of Casablanca, are to be wound down by 2010 and output moved to cheaper locations. The firm said it expected to offer alternative jobs in other areas of its operation to most of those affected. The move is designed to cut production costs by $150 million a year. The changes would "trim excess capacity" and "lower overheads," STM said, although it would cost the company up to $300 million to implement. The firm said it would offer incentives to staff to move to other locations, promising a "smooth transition" for both workers and customers.