Swissprinters definitively closes both sites
Swissprinters has completed the consultation process, which has been ongoing since October 12, 2011, regarding the announced closures of operations in St. Gallen and Zurich. As a result, it is not possible to continue operating the two sites.
Nevertheless, a solution in the form of continued employment has so far been found for around 85 of the 300 employees affected, according to a statement on Wednesday. In addition, the company has decided on measures that complement the existing social concept.
At the center of the clarifications was the proposal submitted by a works committee together with the Syndicom trade union to continue the St. Gallen site with a reduced workforce of 70 employees. The management of Swissprinters rejected this proposal, as the cash flow required for the medium-term continuation of operations could not be generated even in this formation, assuming realistic capacity utilization and taking into account the current price trend.
However, the proposal to keep a prepress team in St. Gallen was accepted. This will be supplemented by a number of employees from customer advice, reader service and sales. As of January 1, 2012, Swissprinters will also transfer its sheetfed offset activities in German-speaking Switzerland to the Neidhart & Schön Group, which will offer 46 employees of the Zurich operation continued employment. The 16 apprentices from Zurich and St. Gallen can complete their training at Swissprinters or at other companies.
Of particular importance for the employees affected by the closures are the accompanying measures that have been adopted. These are aimed at providing financial compensation as well as advisory services and further training opportunities and thus complement the existing social concept.
Existing orders of the plant in Zurich will already be executed by the Neidhart + Schön Group as of January 1, 2012, while production in St. Gallen will be discontinued by June 30, 2012 at the latest.
