The move will improve its ability to compete, the aviation company announced Thursday.
BY JACOB PALMER | OB DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
The Portland-based aviation company Erickson announced Thursday it intends to undertake a “comprehensive” organizational restructuring.
The company will be sorted into four segments: government aviation services, oil and gas aviation services, commercial aviation services and manufacturing and maintenance, repair and operations.
In a news release, the company said that about 150 employees will be laid off, “primarily in Oregon.”
”We value our team members deeply and have been fortunate to build an organization that has demonstrated exceptional quality and commitment,” said Udo Rieder, Erickson President and CEO, in the release. “This restructuring will create efficiency, reduce our costs, simplify lines of reporting and responsibility and enhance accountability. We believe we will be better able to address the challenges we have seen in our end markets, particularly in Defense and Oil & Gas, and reinforce our position as one of the world’s leading aviation services providers.”
The news release said that the move was brought on by recent acquisitions:
This significant restructuring marks the final stage of integration associated with the Evergreen Helicopters and Air Amazonia acquisitions. In connection with its business segment realignment, the Company is engaged in several operational initiatives that are focused on achieving substantial efficiency and accountability improvements across the business and are intended to enhance the Company’s overall profitability and cash flow position.
Chris Bassett will head the government aviation services division; Santiago Crespo will lead the oil and gas services segment; Andy Mills will be in charge of commercial aviation services; and Kerry Jarandson was tabbed to lead the manufacturing and MRO group.
