Bühler is – especially in Europe – confronted with a slowdown in demand. "Because a recovery of the market is not expected before the end of 2010, the company reduced its capacity, in particular in Switzerland until the end of 2009 by around 5 percent," writes the company.
Decline in business volume
While in the areas for the processing of staple foods such as rice and flour still show growth, the orders in other business areas declined significantly.
This is according to press spokeswoman Corina Atzli not only affected by the die-casting, which heavily depends on the automobile industry, but also by other business areas.
The decline is particularly in Europe and thereby the supply from Switzerland. Because of these changes Bühler has to adjust production capacity to the declining volume of business.
Bühler in Switzerland employs 2,500 people, most of them working at HQ in Uzwil. Jobs cuts will be tried to implement through staff turnover, early retirements, transfers and other measures, but forced layoffs seem to be unavoidable.