How many jobs will DSM-Firmenich cut?

The Swiss-Dutch group has announced the cancellation of around 1000 jobs globally over the next 18-24 months, as part of an extensive cost-cutting programme.

Is Switzerland involved in staff cuts?

Yes, Switzerland is one of the countries affected by the restructuring. However, the company has not yet provided precise indications on the local impact, being at the beginning of the consultation procedure in close collaboration with the works councils.

What were the company's recent financial results?

In the first half of the year, turnover increased by 5% to 4.7 billion euros, while operating profit EBITDA contracted by 7% to 900 million euros. Net profits amounted to 221 million euros.

DSM-Firmenich cancels 1000 jobs, cuts also in Switzerland (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 31 July 2026

The Swiss-Dutch group announces an extensive restructuring with the cutting of about 1000 jobs in 18-24 months to reduce costs.

Context

Brief Overview

Layoff of approximately 1000 global jobs in 18-24 months
Cost-saving program of 100 million euros
First-half revenue up 5% at 4.7 billion euros

Key Facts

What: Corporate restructuring with staff cuts
When: Announced during quarterly results
Where: Globally, including Switzerland
Who: DSM-Firmenich
Amount: 100 million euros in expected savings

The global economic landscape of large multinational corporations active in Switzerland is experiencing a significant shift with the announcement by DSM-Firmenich. The Swiss-Dutch group, specializing in fragrances and flavors in the nutrition, health, and beauty sectors, has announced the launch of a major restructuring. Over the next 18-24 months, the company will proceed with the cancellation of approximately 1000 jobs globally. This decision falls within a comprehensive cost-cutting program strongly driven by top management.

Switzerland is directly involved in this reorganization effort, although company executives have not yet provided more detailed territorial information on the specific local impact. CEO Dimitri de Vreeze explained to the Awp agency that this is a global effort and that it is not possible to provide further details at this time as the company is at the beginning of the consultation procedure. The company is working closely with relevant internal committees to define the next steps of the procedure, without yet communicating a specific date for the dissemination of more localized information.

…

Operational details

Financial performance and market reaction

In conjunction with the announcement of the employment cuts, the company published financial data for the first half of the current year. Turnover increased by 5% on an annual basis, reaching 4.7 billion euros. Despite the growth in revenues, operating profitability showed signs of contraction: EBITDA-adjusted operating profit, calculated before interest, taxes, write-downs and amortisation, contracted by 7% to 900 million euros. Even more marked was the decline in net profits, which stood at 221 million euros compared to the 541 million recorded in the same period of the previous year.

Despite the contraction of profits and the announcement of layoffs, the reaction of the stock exchange was characterized by a strong enthusiasm on the part of investors. In morning trading, the DSM-Firmenich group's share jumped 11%. The stock, which made its debut on the Zurich market in May, marks a total increase of 30% from its initial listing, rewarding the decision of management to intervene promptly on operating costs.

Positioning in the global fragrance market

To understand the size and economic weight of the group on the international market, it is necessary to remember its origins and its current structure. The multinational was founded in 2023

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To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Transition Management and Consultation Procedures

The formal initiation of the consultation procedure represents a delicate phase for employees and trade union and business representatives involved. In Switzerland, consultation procedures in the event of corporate restructuring and collective redundancies are regulated by precise federal norms that require employers to inform the company committees in a timely manner and examine any alternative proposals presented by workers to avoid redundancies or mitigate their consequences. With its main Swiss site located in Kaiseraugst and historical presence also in other areas, the company is now managing the dialogue with social partners in a climate of anticipation for employees interested in the possible occupational repercussions.

For workers facing a potential professional transition or renegotiation of their working position in Swiss territory, it is essential to know the available support tools. Financial planning plays a primary role in the event of job changes or reductions in the large multinational companies. To deepen the economic situation and verify in detail the entitlements, tax withholdings, and social benefits provided by Swiss legislation, it is possible to consult the available online financial simulation tools. For a precise assessment of one's remuneration and tax position, access the salary calculator and taxes immediately to plan the best possible changes in employment.

Source: swissinfo.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

How many jobs will DSM-Firmenich cut?: The Swiss-Dutch group has announced the cancellation of around 1000 jobs globally over the next 18-24 months, as part of an extensive cost-cutting programme.
Is Switzerland involved in staff cuts?: Yes, Switzerland is one of the countries affected by the restructuring. However, the company has not yet provided precise indications on the local impact, being at the beginning of the consultation procedure in close collaboration with the works councils.
What were the company's recent financial results?: In the first half of the year, turnover increased by 5% to 4.7 billion euros, while operating profit EBITDA contracted by 7% to 900 million euros. Net profits amounted to 221 million euros.