Viterra’s chief executive officer says the company will complete its efficiency program this year, but employees shouldn’t fear further job losses in 2008.
Speaking to reporters March 12 following Viterra’s first annual meeting of shareholders in Winnipeg, Mayo Schmidt said the company’s staffing levels are now stable and it is recruiting new employees.
“We’ve taken the employment numbers down considerably, to where we think, right now, we’re at a nice balance,” Schmidt said.
“I would say that the job changes we had predicted are already made … so we don’t expect any further change. In fact, based on the balance across the western Prairies, we’re actually in the hiring process.”
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Schmidt said an example would be the company hiring to fill a position in Regina after a Winnipeg employee refused to transfer.
In his presentation to shareholders in Winnipeg, Schmidt said cutbacks and other efficiencies following Saskatchewan Wheat Pool’s takeover of Agricore United last year have already generated $24 million in savings for Viterra.
He added once the savings are fully realized, he is confident “that we will achieve estimated synergies of $96 million” by fiscal 2009.
Winnipeg, once the headquarters of Agricore United, has been the deal’s biggest loser.
More than 500 people worked at Agricore United’s Winnipeg office, but it’s not clear how many staff Viterra will keep there.
Schmidt told the Winnipeg Free Press that there are “well over 200 people” in Winnipeg.
However, the company wouldn’t provide a number when The Western Producer asked how many of its employees will remain in Winnipeg once the cutbacks are complete.
“We will continue to have corporate functions in Winnipeg, Regina and Calgary,” a spokesperson said in an e-mail.
“Saskatchewan Wheat Pool’s acquisition of Agricore United was a growth initiative. Viterra will be growing employment in areas we require additional expertise.”
