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Bombardier troubles
Bombardier have announced that they are reducing their worldwide workforce by 6600 and closing 7 European works. These include Pratteln (584 jobs). Bombardier jusify the decision by over-capacity, and interestingly, that SBB have given large orders to Bombardier's competitors last year. Pratteln will close by late 2005. Bombardier will still employ people in Oerlikon, Turgi and Villenueve. The other threatened works are Ammendorf (Germany), Kalmar (Sweden), Doncaster, Derby Pride Park, Wakefield (all Britain) and Amadora (Portugal). NZZ webmaster comment: The accusation that SBB bears guilt through giving orders to other companies is a bit rich coming from a company that preaches the free market. But maybe the admission that Bombardier failed to win orders would be too much of a concession. The affect the closure will have on the production of Zürich's Cobras remains to be seen. Maybe production can be moved to Villeneuve? Current contracts see 68 Cobras being built in Switzerland for delivery to VBZ between 2005 and 2010. Whether further examples will be ordered for the new extensions or another type will be purchased is still open.
this item was added on
17.03.2004 (7344 days ago) |