Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s Services and Devices division in 2014 was the end of a long process that had begun years before, bringing the two companies increasingly closer together. As might be expected however, many faced the axe once the purchase was complete. Microsoft announced that 18,000 jobs would be cut from the new Microsoft Mobile Oy, most of which would be factory workers.
9,000 of those job cuts announced have now been enacted, with the closure of two mobile manufacturing plants in China, formerly operated by Nokia. Located in Bejing and Dongguan, the closures had been scheduled earlier in the month, and it is expected that new manufacturing facilities are to be set up in Vietnam in their place. This will come following the transferral of manufacturing equipment from the former plants in China, which is expected to be completed by the end of March.
Understandably, this is unfortunate news for those affected and their families, and all luck is wished for them in future.
Do you believe Microsoft was justified in its decision to axe 18,000 jobs? Let us know in the comments below.
