| Independent status for Sulzer Services through MBO |
| Sulzer Services renamed Optimo Service AG |
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| The local organization for internal services of Sulzer in Winterthur has been taken over by three executives through a management buyout. By founding the new company Optimo Service AG, headquartered in Oberwinterthur, about 180 Sulzer employees have been transferred to a new business environment. | |
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In view of the radical restructuring announced by Sulzer last autumn, the existing Sulzer Services managers Peter Widmer, Anton Huber and Peter Uhlmann submitted a management buyout concept for this division which has now been finalized. The divestiture corresponds with Sulzer’s strategy of greater focus on selected core businesses. As explained by Bruno Walser, head of Sulzer Markets and Technology Ltd, social aspects were taken into account here as well as business strategy and profitability. As a result, 181 jobs have been retained thanks to this management buyout.
The parties have agreed not to reveal the transaction price, but it is known that the three managers will be sole shareholders. Substantial start-up capital has been provided on a limited time basis by the Sulzer Foundation for Job Retention and Creation.
All employees at Sulzer Services will shortly be receiving an offer for transfer to the newly founded company under unchanged conditions.
There is a solid basis for future growth, with about 40 percent of Sulzer Services clientele already outside the Sulzer Corporation. While continuing to serve the various Sulzer companies, Optimo Service AG plans to acquire additional customers with a new marketing concept.
The reorganized Optimo Service AG offers locally the following services in seven areas:
. Export Logistics (packaging and international forwarding)
. Transport (express delivery, parcel service, disposal)
. Courier and individual postal service
. Job Corner (temporary office staff, works and erection personnel)
. Plant Services (machine maintenance and repairs, cranage)
. Technical Products (raw materials, standard components, tool hire, work clothing)
. Document Center (b/w and colour copying, plots, archiving)
Customized service packages are also available according to need.
A great deal of work is being invested in this new company: "We are tackling this with great enthusiasm ", says Peter Widmer, "On the one hand, we are well aware of our great responsibility. On the other hand we have years of experience under tough market conditions, and we know by now where market potential can be exploited."
The Sulzer staff association and works commission welcome this management buyout – from Sulzer Services to Optimo Service AG – without reservation. Their respective presidents Suzanne Steiner-Weck and Graziano Facchin are unanimous: "Although sorry to see another well-versed team leave the Sulzer Corporation, we are glad that no job losses are involved this time". |
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