Nokia Siemens Networks has confirmed to local media that it will cut 350 employees in China.
In November 2011, Nokia Siemens Networks announced that it would cut 17,000 employees worldwide before the end of 2013. Meanwhile, the company would shift its focus to mobile broadband and services while implementing large restructuring across the world. The company said at that time that the layoffs will affect various regions, including China.
A representative from Nokia Siemens Networks said that 350 employees in China will be dismissed during this layoff scheme, and the notice had been sent via internal emails. The involved people have started work handover and demission procedures.
Nokia Siemens Networks reportedly has over 10,000 employees in China and the dismissed ones account for about 3.5% of the total. However, there are rumors that perhaps more employees in China will be axed in the coming months.
In addition, Nokia Siemens Networks announced its executive changes for the China region. Markus Borchert has been appointed president for Nokia Siemens Networks Greater China, replacing Zhang Zhiqiang. At the same time, he will continue to lead customer operations in Greater China.
According to the latest financial report of Nokia Siemens Networks, the company's sales in Greater China was EUR1.5 billion in 2011, accounting for 11% of its total global sales.