Fresh Kodak Polychrome Graphics chief Jeff Jacobson is making his first mark on the business with a "significant" restructure involving product line rationalisation and up to 630 job losses worldwide.
Jacobson, took over at the helm of KPG at the end of March. The firm said the goal of the revamp was to "increase sales and profitability by reducing costs and improving value to customers worldwide".
Product lines will be "rationalised to drive down costs", although there is no information at present about specific brands that will be culled. KPG UK marketing manager Pat Holloway said: "Customers have to have stability. We are likely to rationalise the smaller lines, so what were saying is dont get nervous were telling customers up front so they know the reasons for any changes."
In a statement accompanying the annoucement, Jacobson said that KPG also planned "strategic new investments and an increased focus on key market opportunities". Further details were unavailable as PrintWeek went to press.
KPG employs around 4,200 staff worldwide and was formed through a three-way merger of Kodaks film and plate business, Polychrome and Horsell Anitec, and the melding of cultures and operations has been an uphill process which has led to several high-profile departures.
Story by Jo Francis