Adelaide, Australia: BAE Systems has announced a workforce reduction of 100 positions, primarily in South Australia, by the end of 2013.
As part of the change, the company’s Land & Integrated Systems Business Unit and corporate functions will be restructured and more closely aligned.
The restructure follows the decision to consolidate the company’s Mawson Lakes operations to the company headquarters at Edinburgh Parks before the end of 2013. Together, these decisions will reduce annual costs by around AUD $15 million.
Chief Executive David Allott said the company was operating in a challenging environment in Australia that included reduced defence spending and increased competition. “Our focus is strategic and aimed at improving business efficiency so that we can continue to be highly competitive and ‘fit for the future’ in what is an increasingly tough market,” Mr Allott said.
“These are difficult decisions and we are mindful of the impact these reductions have on our team. Natural staff turnover and redeployment will be used where possible and we will do everything we can to support those employees who are affected.”
Mr Allott confirmed that the restructure would not have any impact on the delivery of BAE Systems Australia’s projects or services to its customers. “We will continue to be a key partner of the Australian Defence Force, delivering nearly 40 major acquisition and sustainment contracts across the air, land, sea and electronic domains.
“We will also remain a major economic contributor to South Australia, employing more than 1,100 people in this state and 5,500 people nationally.
With a 60 year history of innovation and performance in this country, we remain extremely confident about our long-term prospects in Australia’s defence, security and commercial markets.”