GERMANTOWN, Wis., Dec. 9 -- Today BRIO Corporation announced a staff restructuring in response to poor sales for 2002 and a flat outlook for 2003. Approximately 20% of the workforce was eliminated.
Positions in sales, operations, and customer service were impacted by the restructuring plan announced today to employees. The economy and sluggish sales were identified as the major inhibitors in reaching the sales goals for the U.S. office.
"The restructuring plan has been initiated to help us become a leaner, more efficient organization and return us to profitability," states John Lange, Sales Director for BRIO AB, the parent company of the BRIO operation.
After the layoffs, BRIO Corporation will employ 54 personnel. Sales reps, located across the U.S., make up almost half of the workforce.
About BRIO
BRIO Corporation, based in Germantown, WI, is the United States subsidiary of BRIO AB of Sweden, the world's largest manufacturer of wooden toys. The 2003 BRIO line includes the genuine Wooden Railway System, BRIO Friends, Ambi and Baby and Preschool Toys and the licensed products of Curious George and Bob the Builder. BRIO also distributes PlanToys products from PlanToys of Thailand and Erector from Meccano of France. The BRIO selection of toys is available in specialty toy, educational, hobby and museum stores, and through select catalogs and internet sites. For a list of retailers, call BRIO toll-free at 1-888-274-6869 or visit the website at http://www.brio.net
