Following the news on November 2, that it would end operations at its headquarters in Thun, Swiss equipment manufacturer, Meyer Burger opened a consultation process for employees to make suggestions for its cost efficiency program.
Having reviewed the submitted proposals, Meyer Burger has now announced 100 jobs, out of 180 in manufacturing, logistics, purchasing and production planning, will definitely go. A further 60 are “dependent upon the results of various strategic alternatives,” said the company in a statement released.
It added, “Successful solutions are also being arranged for the 26 apprentices who are affected.”
The changes at Thun will be implemented over the next 15 months, with most of the transformation expected to be complete by the end of 2018.
Implementation of the program will cost around CHF 10 million (US$10.084 million) in product transfer and personnel costs; while a one-off charge of CHF 40 million due to impairment of assets and write off of inventory will be recorded in 2017 financial results.
At the start of November, Meyer Burger said it would move its diamond wire production to China, while its proprietary Busbar technology and JT laminators will be discontinued.
Going forward, the company has said it will focus its module strategy on establishing Smartwire Connection Technology as an industry standard.
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