“It is most difficult to be forced to make 250 of our employees redundant, but unfortunately there is no other alternative because we forecast a decline in the business,” says Staffan Zackrisson, President and CEO of Volvo Aero.
The notifications apply to 250 blue-collar employees. There will also be reductions of at least 100 white collar positions through the company reducing the number of consultants and not replacing retirees.
Previous periods of recession have brought with them a decline in air travel, leading rapidly to a surplus of aircraft. The need for new aircraft is therefore reducing which is why airlines are postponing orders.
“We must be prepared for this downturn. The adjustment is necessary to ensure we maintain our competitiveness,” says Staffan Zackrisson.
In recent years, Volvo Aero has invested heavily in a modern machine shop, something that has reduced the need for personnel.
“We had reckoned however to retain our workforce by increasing production. But now that production is decreasing, we have to reduce the number of personnel,” says Staffan Zackrisson.
The future of the space business at Volvo Aero remains uncertain. The current redundancy notice does not take into account any eventual reduction in the space business.
Negotiations with the Trade Union have started and are ongoing.
January 20, 2009
For more information, please contact Fredrik Fryklund, Vice President Corporate Communications, +46 520 94401 or +46 70 319 2396.