GT Advanced Technologies Inc. announced that it is transitioning to a functional organizational structure from its prior business unit organization as it continues to streamline operations and position the company for growth once the markets it serves start to recover. As part of the reorganization of resources, the company is shifting final development and beta build activities for its HiCz(TM) product to its Merrimack, NH facility and will be idling its HiCz(R) materials pilot manufacturing facility in St. Louis, MO.

Under the new structure, sales, service and worldwide operations will be centralized under the leadership of Dan Squiller, who will continue to report to president and CEO Tom Gutierrez. Dave Keck, formerly general manager, polysilicon and photovoltaic equipment, will lead the company's sales and service across all businesses, reporting to Squiller. Jeff Ford, vice president of DSS business development, will continue to have responsibility for GT's DSS business, leveraging his extensive industry knowledge and experience to ensure that GT continues to support its DSS customer base as the company transitions to next generation PV technologies. The company's R&D initiatives in next generation solar, Hyperion ion implant exfoliation and sapphire will be managed under Vikram Singh, executive vice president, Advanced Systems Development. In addition Dr. Singh remains responsible for all central engineering support services as well as business development and product management for the Hyperion and next generation solar platforms. Dr. P.S. Raghavan, chief technology officer, will be continue to lead technology development for silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) applications. As a result of the functional realignment, the business unit general manager positions have been eliminated and Cheryl Diuguid, formerly general manager of the sapphire business, has left the company. As previously indicated, the company is scaling back its M&A program in 2013. As such, the role of chief strategy and new business officer is being eliminated and David Gray, Ph.D. will be leaving the company effective January 25, 2013. CEO Tom Gutierrez will drive the company's strategic development initiatives.

As a result, the company will layoff approximately 35 employees in St. Louis. These employees will be provided severance pay, health and dental benefits and outplacement services.