Alien Technology considers closing Fargo plant

California-based Alien Technology Corp. is considering closing its Fargo plant due to a drop in demand for its "smart" tags in the slumping economy.

Alien marketing director Victor Vega says the closure is one option being considered and no decisions have been made yet.

The Fargo plant opened in 2006. It was praised then as a promising high-tech business venture that could bring more than 1,000 jobs to the area. Last fall, it employed about 35.

"Smart tags" are radio frequency identification products. Alien makes them for retailers and other industries. The company is based in Morgan Hill, Calif.

Vega said Alien also is considering job cuts or a temporary closing. He says the market has slowed but seems to be picking up.

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Information from: The Forum, http://www.in-forum.com

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