Restructuring in Hjemmet Mortensen
Hjemmet Mortensen is going through a process where they are reducing the number of employees from 95 to 65. They have eliminated an entire shift on each of the large printing presses. They have also accepted a 10% reduction in salaries and, all together,  these tactics have resulted in the achievement of an internationally competitive price structure. This in turn caused the owner to continue internal operations instead of outsourcing. And how did the company do this? 

“We saw that this process would need involvement in another form than is usual in ordinary adaptation and improvement processes. TPG`s methods of creating trust and ownership would be crucial tools to reach these goals. During the midst of the storm, we therefore decided to proceed with extended workshops, with both management and employees, outside their premises to find the space to work closely and intensively. We worked in groups where we could were think out loud around all possible means of reducing costs– without obligations. Our goal was to build trust and to discuss “risky” measures without coming to a conclusion there and then. In this we came to a common understanding of the situation that we could build upon. After several discussions and, finally formal negotiations, we agreed upon the best measures at hand that would make a difference,” Jon Urdal says. He is relieved that they are continuing with operations, and exited to see how the new organisation model will work.

“I definitely do not think that Norwegian companies have seen the worst of the market economy yet, unfortunately. We, here at Hjemmet Mortensen are prepared and well trained now. Through this process, the company has transformed from being sponsored in-house printers, to becoming a printing works of international stature, when it comes to quality and competitiveness.”  

NHO Grafisk has written an article about the process, read the article here.       

Jon Urdal
CEO
Hjemmet Mortensen Trykkeri

Restructuring in Hydro
"During the restructuring work in our plant in Neuss, TPG  supports the
management team both on a team- and an individual basis. This contributes
to keeping the spirit of the managers up during a periode where extreme
demands are put on them, both when it comes to keeping the efficiency of
the restructuring high and at the same time lead their employees in the
best possible way during difficult times of downscaling".

Bernhard Eich
Plant Manager
Hydro Aluminium Germany