Following recent acquisitions that have increased its global work force by more than 1,100 associates, Schneider National announced Wednesday, Aug. 16, that it is undergoing a companywide staff alignment effort to support the company’s growing global strategy.
According to company officials, about 170 positions are being eliminated, and an additional 85 associates are being redeployed to growth areas of the business; about 120 of the eliminated positions are located at the company’s Green Bay, Wis., headquarters. The alignment effort will impact less than one percent of the company’s 22,300 associates worldwide, according to the company.
“Like any growing, dynamic company, we regularly review and adjust our staffing levels to most efficiently meet our strategic business objectives,” says Tim Fliss, Schneider National executive vice president. “A recent review led to the redeployment of a number of associates, scaled-back hiring in some departments, and certain role reductions.”
At the same time, Fliss noted, Schneider is actively recruiting in areas of the company, and will continue to do so. “Even after these changes, our total work force will grow by the end of 2006 and beyond,” Fliss says. “This is about aligning the organization with our strategy and improved operational efficiencies.”
Impacted associates were informed of the job changes Wednesday morning, Aug. 16. Job changes are effective immediately, with impacted associates coming from departments across the organization. Company support for nonredeployed associates includes salary continuation packages, career transition services and an extended Employee Assistance Program. “We are doing everything possible to assist impacted associates, consistent with our core value of respect,” Fliss says.
According to Chief Executive Officer and President Chris Lofgren, the work force realignment is another aspect of Schneider’s evolving global strategy. In June, the company announced plans to divest its Specialized and Payment Services divisions, and within the last year has acquired two new subsidiaries, American Port Services and American Overseas Air Freight, in support of its international strategy.
“Schneider National has a strong financial and operational foundation,” Lofgren says. “We stay strong by making good decisions and changing when we need to change. While this is a normal, ongoing part of any business, it doesn’t diminish the fact that there are a number of associates impacted by the decisions we make to achieve our long-term objectives. Achieving these goals benefits our customers, suppliers, carriers, our company and our associates.”
