INDIANAPOLIS,
INDIANA (February 23, 2010) – Norwood Promotional Products LLC announced today a plan for the consolidation of some manufacturing operations and the relocation of the Indianapolis office. A strategic analysis of Norwood and BIC Graphic operations has taken place the last several months with the intention of improving the customer experience and streamlining operational capabilities in core product categories. As a result, the San Antonio, TX facility will be consolidated into other existing Norwood US locations and the support functions in Indianapolis relocated to Clearwater, FL. The move of both the San Antonio operations and the Indianapolis office is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.
“Our goal is to create the most customer focused and cost efficient organization in the industry,” said BIC APP Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Paillot. “These steps allow us to improve processes to benefit both our customers and the organization. The decision to close these two sites has not been easy and is not a reflection on the dedication or performance of our employees.”
The San Antonio site currently employs 345 associates. First consideration and relocation assistance will be given to San Antonio associates for open positions across the Norwood and BIC Graphic organization. The company will also provide severance and outplacement assistance.
Norwood Finance, Marketing, IT, Legal and Human Resource functions in the Indianapolis office will be moved to the corporate offices in Clearwater, FL and the 99 associates will be offered a relocation package to aid them should they choose to move. The company is dedicated to providing job search support and severance to those employees choosing not to move.
“In the long term, this is the right decision for the organization,” said Paul Lage, President of Norwood. “We are very grateful for the many years of service and dedication our San Antonio associates have given Norwood and hope that many of our Indianapolis associates will join the organization in Clearwater.”
In a telephone conference with Promo Marketing, Lage noted, “What is key is everyone is going to be offered the opportunity to relocate.”
He continued to explain, what went into making this decision… “is that two of the largest promotional product industry companies combined into one. So, when you look at everything, you look at what is being duplicated and you look at the synergy’s and make decisions based on your opportunities to improve.”
Key facts to note: The Norwood name will remain the same, the sales forces will remain separate, the marketing teams will remain separate.
For more information on Norwood, visit www.norwood.com.
