Philip Morris International Inc.
Philip Morris International Opens Employee Consultation on Plans to Restructure in Switzerland (ATTACHMENT)
Ein Dokument
Lausanne (ots)
Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) today announced it has opened an employee consultation on the company's intention to restructure its global and regional functions based in Switzerland. The intended restructuring aims to reduce complexity and reallocate resources to better support PMI's long term growth around the world.
Such reorganization may involve up to 170 positions that could either be eliminated or transferred to other countries. Approximately 140 positions would concern the company's workforce in Lausanne and the remaining 30 are in global functions based in Neuchatel. PMI employs approximately 3,000 people in Switzerland, just over 1,950 of which work in the global and regional functions that are the subject of the proposed restructuring.
"We remain fully committed to Switzerland and to the cities of Neuchatel and Lausanne which are home to both our global and Swiss market operational structures" said Kevin Click, PMI's Senior Vice President Human Resources. "Any decision will be taken after thorough evaluation, but I believe a realignment of our global functions is necessary to ensure that we stay optimally equipped to service our markets and foster the growth of our business. We realize that this period of uncertainty will be extremely difficult for our employees, particularly those who may be regretfully impacted. We are fully committed to support our people throughout this process."
Following the conclusion of the employee consultation, PMI will finalize any related plans and notify employees and the Cantonal authorities accordingly. If restructuring plans proceed, any impacted employees will be provided with comprehensive support, both financially and through job search consultancy.
"Since 2008 we have added more than 400 jobs in Switzerland and invested 700 million CHF, including in our state of the art Research & Development Center in Neuchatel and our new Data Center in Bonvillars. We have a long and proud history in Switzerland which we look forward to continuing for many years to come" concluded Click.
The restructuring plans do not involve several other PMI entities in Switzerland, including the company's Swiss market affiliate Philip Morris SA, as well as PMI's R&D Center and manufacturing facility in Neuchatel.
About Philip Morris International Inc.
Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is the leading international tobacco company, with seven of the world's top 15 international brands, including Marlboro, the number one cigarette brand worldwide. PMI's products are sold in more than 180 markets. In 2012, the company held an estimated 16.3% share of the total international cigarette market outside of the U.S., or 28.8% excluding the People's Republic of China and the United States. For more information, see www.pmi.com
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