In order to drive efficiencies and margin improvement, and in addition to existing intiatives, Nobia has decided on a cost reduction programme including repositioning of part of the UK business.

The programme aims to generate annual savings in excess of SEK 300m, with a “noticeable” impact in the second quarter of 2023 and reaching “full” effect in the second quarter of 2024.

The programme involves the potential redundancy of 500 employees.

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Organic growth for the group in the fourth quarter of 2022 was low single digit, with support from price increases.

The Group’s preliminary operating profit for the fourth quarter, excluding items affecting comparability, declined to SEK 25m, impacted by continued higher supply chain costs in the Nordics and a weaker performance in the UK.

Nobia will reposition and exit unprofitable projects business in the UK to drive “necessary profitability” improvement and increase competitiveness.

The proposed changes, subject to customary union negotiations, include consolidation of the manufacturing footprint and flattening of the UK central organisation.

It is proposed the production sites in Dewsbury and Grays in the UK will be closed.

Furthermore, certain functions in the Nordic region and at Group level will be reduced in order to save costs and support earnings improvement.

Costs of SEK 156m will be reported in the fourth quarter of 2022 and costs of approximately
SEK 300m in the first quarter of 2023.

The first quarter 2023 charge refers to the forward-looking cost reduction program, while the fourth quarter 2022 charge refers to already initiated measures.

It also includes some of the costs related to the transition to the new factory under construction in Jönköping.

President and CEO of Nobia stated: “We are addressing several areas in order to achieve significant and sustainable margin improvement.

“Regrettably, some of the necessary actions we are taking will result in redundancies.

“In the UK, the proposed changes will make us a better business partner for our customers and cater for an improved profitability level.

“In parallel, we are continuing to focus on completing the construction of our new Nordic factory in Jönköping, which will be the most modern and efficient in our industry.

“I expect the measures that we are now implementing will deliver annual cost savings in excess of SEK 300m, as well as further margin improvement from strong pricing discipline and operational efficiencies in our supply chain.”

Further details will be announced when Nobia reports its full-year results on February 9.