Hershey looks to cut 15 per cent of global workforce
by The Associated Press
The maker of Hershey chocolate bars and other candies said the layoffs are aimed at improving profits and reducing administrative expenses
HERSHEY, Pa.—Hershey Co. says it expects to cut its global workforce by about 15 per cent, with the layoffs coming mostly from hourly employees outside the United States.
The Pennsylvania-based chocolate company also lowered its forecast for long-term sales growth to between 2 and 4 per cent, down from the previous 3 to 5 per cent, J.P. Morgan analyst Ken Goldman noted.
The maker of Hershey chocolate bars and other candies said the layoffs are part of a program aimed at improving the operating profit margin through a streamlined operating model and reduced administrative expenses. The company estimates it will incur pre-tax charges of up to $425 million over the next three years as a result of the plan, which includes the costs of closing plants and offices and other expenses related to the layoffs.
Hershey operates eight factories outside the U.S. As of December, Hershey employed approximately 16,300 full time and 1,680 part-time employees worldwide. A 15 per cent workforce reduction would therefore represent about 2,700 employees.
