16 Dec 2009 --- To strengthen operations in Europe, leading enzyme supplier Novozymes has chosen to focus activities in Switzerland and Denmark and close offices in Paris and Vienna. It is anticipated that the majority of changes will be completed during the first half of 2010.

The company said in a statement, “Bringing together our people in a few larger locations enables Novozymes to better respond to the complex needs of cross-regional customers, while at the same time being able to benefit from the improved critical mass in Novozymes European operations. Fewer locations with more employees helps promote knowledge sharing and create synergy.”

“By bringing the commercial functions together we can promote joint cooperation across the two European sales regions to help better meet customer needs and catch opportunities. At the same time reducing to fewer offices ensures an efficient and cost-effective organization,” says Peder Holk Nielsen, Executive Vice President of Enzymes Business.

Novozymes said that while efforts are being made to offer options for the employees in Paris and Vienna, the reorganization will result in some layoffs. “In the case of layoffs, we will ensure affected employees are covered by a social plan that aids them as they transition to a new situation outside Novozymes,” the company noted.