SWITZERLAND – Nestlé has announced plans to re-organize parts of its IT activities to benefit from its existing technology hub in Spain and other Nestlé locations, after a thorough review of its global information technology (IT) setup.
According to the company, it intends to accelerate its digital transformation and to respond more quickly to fast-paced technological changes with the re-organization.
Over the next 18 months, the company aims to access wider skills and to benefit from IT innovation, where the changes could lead to a reduction of up to 500 IT positions in Switzerland.
Nespresso is also planning to establish dedicated operational centers in Spain and Portugal to benefit from existing Nestlé hubs in the areas of e-commerce and supply chain, and also intends to create a center of excellence for boutique operations in Italy.
Nestlé will also work with its employees to draw up detailed social plans to mitigate the impact of the re-organization for the people concerned.
Assistance may include job offers from within the Nestlé Group, early retirement or outplacement support.
These plans do not affect any of the company’s production sites in Switzerland.
“We understand that this is a difficult time for our employees. Nestlé is committed to treating everyone with respect and appreciation.
We will explore all possible options to provide support and to mitigate the impact on our colleagues,” said Peter Vogt, Group Head of Human Resources and Member of the Nestlé Executive Board.
“Nestlé remains fully committed to its home base in Switzerland.
The relationship between Nestlé and Switzerland is mutually beneficial and the company will continue to invest in the country,” he continued.
The number of Nestlé employees in Switzerland rose from around 6700 in 2003 to over 10100 in 2017.
The company has made several important investments in this country over the past years.
Nestlé is currently strengthening its research entities in Lausanne, which is the focal point of its global research and development activities.
In 2017, Nestlé invested CHF 289 million in production, distribution, real estate and IT infrastructure in Switzerland with approximately CHF 300 million being invested in 2018.
