Arkema presented to its Central Works Council a project for the future of its Headquarters presently based in Paris La Defense, designed to streamline organizations and reduce the operating costs.
Arkema pursue its ongoing competitiveness efforts launched since its creation in October 2004. In order to improve its profitability and streamline its operations, Arkema has developed a project to optimize the organization and reduce the operating costs of its Headquarters.
The project is based on three complementary axes:
The relocation of part of the central teams of some divisions on the production sites for which they carry out support functions. This would help optimize the organization of Chlorochemicals and Thiochemicals, while the IT Division would become more efficient by pooling all its teams within the Lyon Technical and IT Center.
An improvement in the organization of all business units and functional divisions by adapting their organizational structure to simplify the decision-making processes.
A reduction in operating costs by relocating the Headquarters to offices in Hauts-de-Seine close to Paris La Defense, offering a modern and functional working environment, in line with the Company's image.
The project would result in the loss of 130 jobs and the relocation of a further 102 from the Headquarters to industrial sites around the country. Arkema is committed to taking all necessary steps to promote internal or external redeployment for everyone affected by a job loss, in particular by setting up a job mobility unit and negotiating early retirement packages.
A world-class chemical concern, Arkema combines three strategically related, integrated businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals and Performance Products. With operations in more than 40 countries and 18,400 employees, the company reported revenue of € 5.7 billion in 2005. Leveraging six research centers in France, the United States and Japan and internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in each of its principal markets.
