| Conzzeta AG: Realignment of the Bystronic glass business unit |
| 10.01.12 07:32 | |
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Concentration of strengths and focus on core competences Zurich, January 10, 2012 - Conzzeta Group's Glass Processing Systems business unit, Bystronic glass, is merging its two production sites in Germany and streamlining its activities. The realignment is aimed at strengthening the core competences in the architectural glass (insulating glass, laminated glass and handling equipment) and automotive glass segments. A partnership with German machinery manufacturer Hegla will further contribute to strengthening the business unit. The Sheet Metal Processing Systems business unit (Bystronic Laser AG) and the other Conzzeta Group companies are not affected. Bystronic glass today announced plans to consolidate production of machinery and systems for architectural glass manufacture at its existing plant in Neuhausen-Hamberg. At the Swiss production site in Bützberg, Bystronic glass will be concentrating in future on machinery and systems for automotive glass. The business unit is planning to discontinue the manufacture of systems for cutting architectural glass, also located at the Swiss site, which is no longer viable; customer services and delivery of spare parts will continue. These steps are necessary because of the persistent weakness of demand, particularly in the laminated glass segment, and the strength of the Swiss franc. According to current plans, the proposed measures will necessitate local reduction of the number of workplaces by around 120 in all, half in Gunzenhausen (Germany) and half in Bützberg (Switzerland). Bystronic glass will enter into consultations with representatives of the workforce and negotiate a redundancy plan. The overall cost of the planned measures, including the redundancy package, is estimated at CHF 18 million. This includes provisions for value adjustments on assets (impairment) of around CHF 6 million which will be charged to the 2011 financial year. In order to continue to offer customers a full range of services, Bystronic glass and the German glass machinery manufacturer Hegla intend to establish a partnership with the aim of working together on product and market activities. The two parties intend to treat each other as preferred partners and join forces when dealing with customers who commission large-scale projects. Customers will be served by the same contacts as before. The media release issued by the Bystronic glass business unit, with full details of the planned measures, is available for download from www.bystronic-glass.com (under News/Press Center). Conzzeta Group is an internationally active Swiss holding company with approximately 3,400 employees worldwide. Its activities are in the areas of machinery and systems engineering, foam materials, sporting goods, graphic coatings and real estate. Conzzeta's shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SWX:CZH). |
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