Unilever takes tough measures

Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch powerhouse, in fast moving consumer goods takes drastic measures in order to improve their financial performance. Over the next four years the company is planning to reduce the 179,000 strong workforce by 20,000 workers. This reduction is part of a Unilever plan to reduce cost by EUR1.5 billion before 2010.

Not only will the company reduce the number of workers, Unilever is also considering selling of some of its activities that have less potential in terms of value growth. The North-American laundry care brands are top of the list to get sold, but other activities are also earmarked for sale.

In the Netherlands it is rumoured that at least 140 workers will have to leave as a result of the decision to merge the separate Dutch and Belgian marketing and sales departments into one single organisation.