Electrolux to shut regional HQ here by May

Move may potentially affect up to 200 staff; sources say most of them will be retrenched

- Lee Li Ying

Swedish home appliances maker Electrolux will be shutting its regional headquarters in Singapore by May, potentially affecting around 100 to 200 employees, The Straits Times has learnt.

Sources said that most of the affected employees will be retrenched, although a handful have been offered relocation packages.

In response to queries from ST, Electrolux’s director of communication for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (Apac & MEA) transformation, Ms Samar Refai, on Feb 2 confirmed the imminent closure of its regional headquarters for Apac & MEA at Rochester Park, but did not comment on the May deadline.

She added that the impending closure was announced internally on Dec 13, 2023.

The Apac & MEA commercial leadership team will also relocate to Bangkok, said Ms Refai.

“The imminent closure of Electrolux’s regional office in Singapore ultimately means that we will need to part ways with some of our regional employees. Those who are impacted are offered the maximum level of support, during the upcoming transition period, and are treated with utmost respect,” said Ms Refai, without adding more details.

The writing has been on the wall for the Singapore regional office for a few months.

The multinational company announced in a statement in October 2023 that it would slash 3,000 positions from a total of 46,000 globally, as consumer demand remains weak. Electrolux also said then that it would be merging the Europe and Apac & MEA business regions to leverage product and brand synergies.

Under the newly created business area Europe, Apac & MEA, there are two commercial organisations – one for Europe and another for Apac & MEA.

Ms Refai said that with a newly established commercial set-up for Apac & MEA, Australia and Thailand will become key hubs for Electrolux in the region.