Sales and profits are at record levels, and Lenovo has risen to the No. 1 spot among PC sellers worldwide even as it branches out more into smartphones and tablets. But the company also continues to make adjustments in its work force. The latest shifts means some layoffs at its North Carolina operations.

“We had some notices go out [last] week in Raleigh, which was a continuation of the announcements we made in May,” Ray Gorman, executive director of global communications at Lenovo, tells WRALTechWire.

“A small number of employees were notified at the start of the week that their positions were being eliminated.”

Lenovo has some 2,000 employees in North Carolina with 1,700 at its global executive headquarters campus in Morrisville. Lenovo also operates a huge distribution center and PC manufacturing line in Whitsett.

Gorman denied reports that layoffs reached as many as 250.

“As such, we are not announcing a specific number of employees who were affected, though I will tell you the number is not even in the same ballpark as you were told, and nowhere near enough to trigger any other notifications,” Gorman said in response to a query from WRALTechWire.

Once layoffs reach certain numbers or percentages of a company’s work force, a formal mass layoff notification may be required by the federal government.

Gorman also insisted that Lenovo continues to hire in certain areas of the company – and in North Carolina.

“On the whole, we are continuing to invest in North Carolina and this activity does not change that,” he explained.

“As you know, in May 2013, we moved over 100 jobs from our call centre in India to Raleigh, and we added over 100 manufacturing jobs at our site in Whitsett.”

Lenovo continues to expand its PC lineup, including four new “all-in-one” entertainment and PC centers last week. One of those includes a 29-inch screen.

The companym also continues tom roll out new tablets and smartphones as it evolves into what Chairman and CEO Yang Yuanqing describes as a “PC Plus” company.

“We will continue to hire in NC, particularly in the higher-growth areas of our business, such as PC Plus, i.e. smartphones, tablets, servers and storage,” Gorman said.

Servers are among the newest points of emphasis for Lenovo. Among its partners is EMC, which also maintains a large operation in the Triangle.

Gorman’s comments about the latest jobs moves reflects those he made in May.

Confirming reports to WRAL about layoffs being made, Gorman said the cuts were made as part of the transition of Lenovo toward a more diversified lineup of products.

“While is extremely difficult for us to make changes like this, particularly when the company is doing well, it is absolutely necessary for us to ensure our long-term success,” Gorman said.

Most of Lenovo’s operations are located in China, but the company operates worldwide with numerous manufacturing, research and development and sales operations outside its home country.

Lenovo bought IBM’s PC business, which was primarily based in the Triangle, in 2005.

[LENOVO ARCHIVE: Check out eight years of Lenovo stories as reported in WRALTechWire.]