August 29, 2007, Zurich, Switzerland--Oerlikon will trim 100 jobs in its Optics unit over the next 18 months at the group's Balzers site as part of a strategic effort to focus more resources in Asia.
Oerlikon has around 20,000 employees worldwide. The Optics unit is part of the Oerlikon Components business segment, which accounted for 6.1% of the firm's revenues in the first quarter of 2007.
According to Oerlikon CEO Uwe Krüger, the company plans to put more emphasis on growth markets such as laser television and optical security systems for motor vehicles.
"Towards this end, additional investments will be made in research and development, the existing product line will be streamlined and the levels of activity will be increased in Asia," he said. "This is an important step to ensure the Group's sustained and profitable growth."
