MONTERREY, Mexico (Bloomberg) - Tyco Electronics Ltd., the world's biggest maker of electronic connectors, plans to close three automotive-products plants in Europe in a restructuring that will affect 850 workers and cost $155 million.

The plan, part of a previously announced manufacturing streamlining programme, is expected to be completed in 15 months. It will result in fourth-quarter charges of $135 million, or 27 cents a share, up from a previous estimate of $67 million, or nine cents, Bermuda-based Tyco Electronics said in a statement.

CEO Thomas Lynch said in July that auto order rates in the US are weakening and that Europe's increases may slow as well. Yesterday's plan includes the plant closures and restructuring of operations at several facilities in Spain and France, the company said.

The changes are subject to consultation with the European Works Council and several local ones.

The company now expects fourth-quarter earnings from continuing operations of 38 cents to 40 cents a share, down from the 56 cents to 58 cents forecast in July.

Tyco Electronics continues to expect adjusted earnings from continuing operations of 65 cents to 67 cents a share. Tyco fell 99 cents, or 3.1 percent, to $30.80 at 1.28pm in New York Stock Exchange composite trading.