Inverter manufacturer, SMA Solar, has announced the conclusion of a process to reduce its headcount with an additional 400 voluntary job losses.
In July SMA said it was reducing its headcount by 800 jobs – around 700 full-time and 100 part-time roles.
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The company opened its first voluntary programme for staff to leave before 1 August. An additional 400 volunteered to leave under the second programme by 13 September.
SMA said this allowed it to reach its staff reduction staff target without any involuntary lay-offs. The company's headcount will stand at around 3,000 full-time staff at the end of 2014.
“We have achieved the targeted reductions and have been able to exclude involuntary layoffs,” said chief financial and human resources officer Lydia Sommer.
SMA’s largest market is Europe, particularly Germany, but falling FiT prices here and the overall decline in Europe’s solar market have led to a sharp decrease in sales for the company – up to 50%, according to chief executive, Pierre-Pascal Urbon – necessitating the reduction in headcount.
SMA is now looking to address its small sales footprint in the booming markets in Japan and China with acquisitions and partnerships.
