ARNHEM, The Netherlands, Dec. 10, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals has announced a new phase in its restructuring plan in order to improve its performance. In this phase, the focus is mainly on lowering fixed manufacturing costs.
The proposed measures, which will be carried out during 2004-2006, involve the reduction of an equivalent of approximately 100 full-time jobs. All regions of the world will be affected.
The proposals in this phase of the restructuring are subject to approval of all relevant parties involved in the process. Discussions with these parties have started. Polymer Chemicals wants to avoid forced redundancies as much as possible, and aims to utilize socially responsible methods, such as early retirement and transfers.
"It is our intention to introduce a new organizational structure in this phase of the restructuring. This new organizational set-up will follow the globalization of our major customers," said Bob Margevich, General Manager of Polymer Chemicals. "It will make Polymer Chemicals more transparent to our customers and will simplify decision-making," he added. The organizational changes are not expected to result in additional job losses.
Earlier, on August 22, 2003, Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals announced a restructuring plan which would result in a reduction of some 150 jobs.
Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. Consolidated sales for 2002 totaled EUR 14 billion. The Company currently employs approximately 65,200 people in more than 80 countries. Financial results for 2003 will be published on February 3, 2004.
Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals, headquartered in Chicago, USA, holds worldwide leading positions in the production, handling and supply of organic peroxides, metal alkyls, Ziegler-Natta and other polymerization catalysts. These products are used primarily in the production of thermoplastic polymers and thermoset plastic materials but find various other applications as well. Polymer Chemicals also supplies customers throughout the world with polymer additives and high purity metal organics. Production is carried out at 18 plants/sites worldwide. Polymer Chemicals has created a new business that supplies safety services to customers throughout the world.
Internet: www.akzonobel.com
Safe Harbor Statement(1)
This press release may contain statements which address such key issues as Akzo Nobel's growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, pharmaceutical products in the pipeline, and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered, and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more complete discussion of the risk factors affecting our business please refer to our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. A copy of which can be found on the Company's website www.akzonobel.com.
(1) Pursuant to the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995
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