Maniton Group has announced plans to downsize its workforce, citing severe sales impacts from the global pandemic. The France-based manufacturer, which has been grappling with a downward trend since mid-2019, expects fiscal 2020 sales to plunge by 30% compared to 2019, with the epidemic exacerbating pre-existing market challenges.

Pre-2020 Decline: The company’s growth trajectory shifted in mid-2019, followed by a pandemic-induced economic crisis that accelerated revenue loss.
30% Sales Contraction: Fiscal 2020 projections show a steep decline, prompting urgent organizational realignment.
The Central Workers' Representative Committee convened yesterday to review the group’s restructuring plan, which includes:
63 Indirect Position Cuts: Targeted reductions within Manito BF to address operational inefficiencies.
Voluntary Leave Initiative: Launched to minimize mandatory layoffs, allowing employees to opt for temporary furloughs.
Dividend Sacrifice: The board has scrapped the 2019 dividend proposal to preserve capital for innovation investments.
Maniton Group has implemented a multi-pronged response across its international footprint:
Health & Economic Protections: Immediate measures to safeguard staff welfare and stabilize finances at the crisis onset.
Cross-Regional Restructuring: Paralleling workforce adjustments in the U.S., India, and Brazil with the French plan.
Investment Prioritization: Reallocated funds from dividend payouts to maintain R&D capabilities amid revenue strain.
"Our crisis response began with comprehensive health and economic measures to protect employees," a Maniton spokesperson stated. "The current plan, while difficult, is essential to securing the group’s long-term viability. By aligning costs with reduced revenue streams and preserving investment capacity, we aim to emerge from this crisis as an innovative industry leader."
Union representatives expressed concern over job losses but acknowledged the plan’s focus on voluntary measures. "While we advocate for worker protections, the company’s commitment to minimizing mandatory layoffs provides some reassurance during this unprecedented crisis," said a committee spokesperson.
The restructuring marks a pivotal shift for Maniton, which now aims to balance short-term survival with long-term innovation amid one of the most severe economic disruptions in recent history.