Sandvik reduces workforce in Sweden

Workforce reduction at Sandvik Materials Technology

Sandvik Materials Technology introduced on 13 September 2011 a comprehensive improvement program ("The Step Change Program") that aims to increase profitability to a significantly higher and sustainable level and to strengthen the business area's leading position in key segments.

One of the objectives of the program is to sustainably reduce the overall cost structure by approximately 500 MSEK over a two to three year period, through such measures as reducing costs for staff and administration in addition to cost optimization of the sales organization.

Following a review of the organization, a structural redundancy corresponding to 500 employees globally has been identified, of whom about 295 employees in Sweden (230 in Sandviken and 65 in Hallstahammar). In Sandviken, the redundancies only affect salaried employees. In Hallstahammar, 20 salaried employees and 45 employees under collective agreements are affected.

Workforce reduction at Sandvik Mining and Construction

As a result of the Sandvik Group's new strategy and organization, the Sandvik Mining and Construction business area will be separated into two business areas, Sandvik Mining and Sandvik Construction as of 1 January 2012. The changes are expected to result in a redundancy of 70 salaried employees in Sandviken. The global review of Sandvik Mining and Construction's organization is still in progress.

"Our aim is to complete the work as quickly as possible to shorten the period of uncertainty for our employees," says Jonas Gustavsson, President of Sandvik Materials Technology.

The changes are expected to be completed during the first half of 2012.

Sandviken, 1 November 2011

Sandvik Aktiebolag (publ)