Orange: Build-up phase completed - Company consolidation after intensive build-up phase
Lausanne (ots)
After an intensive four-year build-up phase of rapid growth, Orange Switzerland is consolidating to guarantee its continued success. The consolidation will include a revised organisational structure affecting approximately 200 out of its current 1692 employees this year. At the Orange site in Biel several functions are to be brought together, increasing staff numbers. Orange's headquarters in the canton de Vaud will remain.
Further extension of the GSM network and preparation of the UMTS network The outstanding Orange GSM network, which already comprises 3252 antenna sites, is to be further extended this year. Orange will continue to progress towards the launch of its UMTS network, honouring its licence commitments, despite the delay in technology.
Personnel consequences
The planned job reductions will be achieved primarily through the cancellation of temporary posts and through natural fluctuations in personnel numbers. However, redundancies are also planned. It is furthermore planned, to centralise various functions, in particular the Customer Care in Bussigny/Lausanne, at the existing site in Biel. The Bussigny site will be maintained. Over and above a social plan, a far-ranging support in finding new employment has been established. The apprenticeships will not be affected by these measures.
Securing our company basis
"Orange Switzerland has over its short lifespan met all of its business targets. The planned measures should enable further investments in growth" explains Andreas S. Wetter, CEO of Orange Communications SA. "Contrary to the general trend in the sector, we could considerably increase the turnover and profit as well as the turnover per customer and our share of business customers."
Focus on business customers
Our network of 35 Orange competence centers across Switzerland and the 100 or more Orange partner points is to be further extended. Orange also intends to work more intensively towards increasing its base of business customers and to take on additional staff.
Contact:
Orange Communications SA
World Trade Center
Av. de Gratta-Paille 2
PO Box 455
1000 Lausanne 30 Grey
Therese Wenger, Media Relations
Phone +41/21/216'10'16
Fax +41/21/216'10'15
Mobile: +41/78/787'10'16
mailto:therese.wenger@orange.ch
Internet: http://www.orange.ch