Uponor Corporation Stock exchange release 9 September 2009
Uponor plans to boost performance through a new supply chain structure for the
Nordic Infrastructure business
Uponor plans to restructure its Infrastructure Solutions supply chain in the
Nordic countries in order to focus on core technologies and invest in
specialised factories. Uponor targets a clear performance improvement in the
Infrastructure Solutions business, with full impact in 2011. Uponor is starting
employee consultation on initiatives that can ultimately result in a net
redundancy of up to 40 persons.
Uponor plans to concentrate its Infrastructure Solutions production on two
large, specialised manufacturing centres. The Fristad factory in southern
Sweden would absorb the production of the Danish factory in Hadsund, where
production would come to an end. The plan also includes increasing the
production capacity of the Nastola factory in southern Finland.
- The Nordic Infrastructure Solutions business is a core business for Uponor,
and the plans announced today will enhance our leadership position as a
supplier of building and infrastructure solutions in each of the Nordic
countries, says Jyri Luomakoski, President and CEO of Uponor.
Both Fristad and Nastola factories are ideally located to serve the growth
areas in the Nordic countries and their nearby markets. They will be able to
satisfy future demand, while yielding a higher capacity utilisation and
significantly reduced overhead costs and investment levels. The Infrastructure
operations will be integrated into Uponor's Europe-wide ERP system in 2010.
Two further, smaller production units for infrastructure solutions are planned
to remain. The one in Forssa will specialise on polyethylene pressure pipe
while the subsidiary in Virrat, Finland continues to operate under its own
brand.
The job reductions will mainly affect the Hadsund site, as a result of the
planned production closing. The sales and marketing and other support functions
will remain in order to serve the local Danish customers. The Hadsund unit is
one of the oldest in Uponor, acquired in 1983.
As part of the consultation process, Uponor is working with personnel to find
solutions to alleviate the impact of the planned job cuts. In Fristad, Uponor
plans to recruit additional personnel to accommodate for the growing production
volumes.
Further information:
Jyri Luomakoski, President and CEO, tel. +358 40 515 4498
Georg von Graevenitz, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Infrastructure
Nordic, tel. +358 20 129 2849
Uponor Corporation
Tarmo Anttila
Vice President, Communications
Tel. +358 20 129 2852
DISTRIBUTION:
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www.uponor.com
Uponor is a leading supplier of plumbing and heating systems for the
residential and commercial building markets across Europe and North America and
a market leader in municipal infrastructure pipe systems in the Nordic
countries. Uponor's key applications include indoor climate and tap water
systems. The Group employs ca 3,500 persons in 27 countries. In 2008, Uponor's
net sales totalled 950 million euros. Uponor Corporation is listed on the
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd., Finland. http://www.uponor.com