SSAB has today given notice of redundancy affecting 450 employees in the Swedish operations. The measures constitute part of the previously announced efficiency program within SSAB EMEA.

SSAB EMEA is currently carrying out an efficiency program aimed at increasing flexibility throughout the entire business operation. The program has been accelerated and is expected to be fully completed towards the end of the first quarter of 2013. The annual cost savings are expected to amount to SEK 800 million (US$120 million).

Accordingly, notice of redundancy has been issued covering 450 employees, of whom approximately 100 are on temporary contracts. The notice primarily covers production personnel and affects approximately 200 employees in Borlänge, 150 in Oxelösund, and 100 in Luleå. At the same time, SSAB is studying the possibility of reducing work time within the Swedish operations.

"It’s always sad to have to make this type of announcement. But we’re doing so in order to be able to conduct the operations more flexibly going forward. SSAB will be proactive in providing support to those employees at the various plants who are affected," says Melker Jernberg, Head of Business Area SSAB EMEA.