400 workers to lose their jobs in Zelmer restructuring

As part of a radical restructuring program, leading household goods manufacturer Zelmer is to lay off 400 workers. The Rzeszow-based company recorded a loss of zl.19.2 million in the first seven months of the year, prompting the decision by its management to reduce its 2,700-strong workforce and withdraw certain types of kitchen equipment from its catalogue. "We don't operate in a vacuum," said financial director of the firm, Stanislaw Kubit. "The state of the Polish economy and the situation of our customers affect the quantity and type of vacuum cleaners and kitchen goods in demand," Kubit went on. In an attempt to come to terms with changing customer preferences, the company is to introduce a new Magnat vacuum cleaner. It will also sell several items produced by other companies, marketing them under the Zelmer name. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B4) M.K.