COVID-19: Epiroc announce job cuts in Sweden

Company terminating 425 positions, half of them in production, after drop in demand due to COVID-19

EPIROC are giving notice of termination to 425 employees in Sweden in response to lower global demand from mining and infrastructure companies amid the COVID-19 pandemic and to position the company better for the future.

The notices are for 350 positions in Örebro and 75 positions in Fagersta, of which around half are production positions.

Örebro is a main manufacturing and research and development hub for Epiroc’s underground and surface equipment, as well as for service and spare parts supply, whilst Fagersta is home to Epiroc’s rock drilling tools business.

Epiroc, who have approximately 3,100 employees in Sweden, out of a global workforce of approximately 14,000, say the action is the result of a significant drop in demand from customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on the global economy.

The reductions are also part of the company’s continuous effort to become as agile and efficient as possible, and follow various efficiency measures taken worldwide since 2019.

‘We are taking these actions to adapt to the new market situation following the COVID-19 pandemic and to make us stronger and more resilient for the future, said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s president and chief executive officer.

‘Unfortunately, we must take such a drastic action as giving notice of termination. We regret the negative consequences this will have for our colleagues and those close to them, and we will support our employees in this difficult situation.

‘These actions will allow us to continue to prioritize innovation and to develop our technology leadership in order to support our customers’ operations and improve their productivity.’