AMD’s plans to cut its losses short in this year’s fourth quarter didn’t quite come out as expected. The company ended up letting go 600 of its emplyees over the past three months, even though the initial plans only included 500 people.

The total costs for this complex restructuring process approved on December 19, 2008 have been estimated at $70 million, with $20 more than initially calculated. Severance payments and other benefits will demand about $34 million, $13 million will be needed for ending contracts and programs,  another $17 million written off the value of its assets and $6 million will be used for closing thecompany’s factories and offices.

The first part of 2009 will bring other changes too, as the company’s officials announced several cost reductions. There are some rumors about additional layoffs of over 1000 workers prepared for 2009. The company did not comment on these reports, as the strategy for next year’s actions is still in development for now.

For this fourth quarter, AMD said it would also take a $20 million impairment charge on flash memory chip maker Spansion Inc., which is its investment. AMD’s officials stated that the decision was "based on the results of an updated, long-term financial outlook" for the business, according to a filing with U.S. securities regulators.

The global financial crisis affected companies from all markets, causing them to change thier plans and strategies and imposing tough restructuring processes.