The co-founder of Apple Computer, Mr Steve Jobs, was being dubbed "Steve No-Jobs" by employees at the Claris Ireland plant yesterday after they heard the news at 8.30am that operations would cease this summer.

The corporate strategy that decided their fate prompted mixed reactions among the workers, some of whom have worked with the company for a decade and - until now - have been spared the effects of the fast-moving industry's volatility.

They spent the morning telling relatives of the sudden news. Snatches of conversation could be heard on the phone: "Were you not watching the news......I don't know."

While one employee confessed to being devastated, another said he was resigned to the announcement. "I am not there too long, so it did not make much difference," he added.

Some of the workers had been expecting the decision, saying the atmosphere had quietened and there had been a shift in morale recently. "There might be a few shocked with it. People only here a year," one said.

There was no bitterness, however - rather an appreciation of better days with the company. "They are keeping their spirits up. You have to stick together. The relationship we have with this company is very close. There has never been an argument," a technician operative said. He also predicted: "We will be swiped up by another company."

A few feet from where he spoke, a plaque commemorated the official opening of the Claris premises by the then Minister for Industry and Commerce, Mr Desmond O'Malley, on February 21st, 1992. There was also a reminder of the company's past success in the shape of an award from the parent firm "in recognition and appreciation of your outstanding leadership and contribution to the environmental, health and safety efforts at Apple Computer Inc".