Due to a noticeable drop in orders since November 2008 and the generally bleak economic global outlook for 2009, HUBER+SUHNER is having to cut about 100 of an approximate 3,500 jobs worldwide. Most of the jobs will go through staff turnover and retirement but some redundancies, unfortunately, can not be avoided. Approximately 25 redundancies will be in Switzerland.
As of today short working time will also be introduced in certain production areas. This will initially affect only 60 employees but there are plans to extend short working time to other sectors as of March 09.
The Radio Frequency division, which has been stagnating for two years will be particularly affected by the measures.
The Fiber Optics division continues to record a high volume of business and despite falling orders, especially in the automotive sector, the Low Frequency division is still recording good capacity utilisation in almost all sectors.
Although HUBER+SUHNER did not really feel a slowdown until last October, in the past three months the global downturn has impacted on the company’s volume of business. Early measures were taken to limit our risk and exposure to a business downturn by reducing internal expenditure and freezing recruitment in an attempt to cut overhead costs. Actions were also taken where the number of temporary employees, accrued working hours and vacations have all been significantly reduced. As orders have continued to fall since the start of the year, additional measures have to be initiated.
HUBER+SUHNER has a redundancy programme in place, which has been negotiated with employee representatives and is confirmed on an annual basis. The programme will be supplemented by voluntary extended benefits for those affected by early retirement. Support will be given for job placement and active guidance will be offered during job search.
