Note 18. Restructuring and Others
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

18. Restructuring Charges


          Costs associated with restructuring activities are accounted for in accordance with accounting guidance as applicable. The determination of when the Company accrues for severance and benefits costs and which accounting standard applies, depends on whether the termination benefits are provided under a one-time benefit arrangement or under an ongoing benefit arrangement.


Fiscal 2013 Restructuring Plan


Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, in an effort to lower its expense levels, given the competitive pricing pressures and slower than expected growth in Japan revenues from flash memory products, the Company implemented a reduction in force to rationalize its global workforce.


The following table presents a summary of restructuring activities related to 2013 restructuring plan described above:


   

Year Ended

 
   

December 28, 2014

   

December 29, 2013

 
   

(in thousands)

 

Accrued restructuring balance, beginning of period

  $ 844     $ -  

Provision:

               

Severance and others

    -       6,017  

Restructuring charges

    844       6,017  

Non-cash adjustments (1)

    (45 )     (469 )

Cash payments

    (799 )     (4,704 )

Accrued restructuring balance, end of period

  $ -     $ 844  

(1) Non cash adjustments mainly relate to intangibles written off.


Fiscal 2011 Restructuring Plan


Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company initiated a restructuring plan as part of a company-wide cost saving initiative aimed to reduce operating costs in response to the global economic challenges and the rapid change in the China wireless and handset market. In the area of reducing costs and improving efficiencies, the Company announced the reduction of headcount in several locations and the closure of the assembly, test, mark and pack facility in Kuala Lumpur which was completed in the first quarter of 2012.


During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company sold its land and building relating to the Kuala Lumpur (KL) facility for net proceeds of $38.6 million and realized a gain of $28.4 million. Total costs incurred under the fiscal 2011 restructuring plan were $22.6 million.


Restructuring charges for the years ended December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 were as follows:


   

Fiscal 2011 Restructuring Plan

 
             
   

Year Ended

December 29, 2013

   

Year Ended

December 30, 2012

 
                 

Accrued restructuring balance, beginning of period:

  $ 538     $ 8,087  

Provision:

               

Gain on sale of equipment

    -       (3,798 )

Asset relocation fees

    -       4,686  

Depreciation and asset impairment charges

    -       2,070  

Severance and others

    -       3,550  

Restructuring charges

    -       6,508  

Non-cash adjustments

    (75 )     1,568  

Cash payments

    (463 )     (15,625 )

Accrued restructuring balance, end of period:

  $ -     $ 538