The Cincinnati Enquirer

3M Precision Optics, maker of lens systems for projection TVs in Clermont County's Union Township, has begun offering some of its 1,250 employees voluntary severance packages.

A spokeswoman for the unit of St. Paul, Minn.-based 3M Corp. said it won't know whether involuntary job cuts will be required until after the acceptance period for the voluntary severance expires Wednesday.

"After that, we will make an assessment of whether we need to do anything further," said Donna Fleming, spokeswoman.

The company, acquired in late 2002 from Corning Inc., said new technology such as plasma screens is cutting into the plant's traditional cathode ray tube business. While the company is working to bring its own new technology to market, "our CRT business is below expectations," she said.

She declined to outline the incentives being offered to hourly and salaried employees but said it included severance payments, benefits continuation and help finding new jobs.