Printer and computer maker Hewlett-Packard, which employs more than 2,000 people at plants in Leixlip, Co Kildare and in Dublin, last night revealed operating income fell by more than half in the second quarter as economic weakness in the United States and abroad suppressed demand.

Net profit, including $155 million of write-offs announced last month when the company sharply lowered its forecast but excluding other one-time charges, fell to $356 million, or 18 US cents per share, from $887 million, or 43 US cents per share in the quarter a year earlier. Sales dropped to $11.6 billion from $12 billion a year earlier.