Swiss Energy Company Announces Major Job Cuts

Swiss energy provider Groupe E has announced a significant workforce reduction, with plans to cut 188 positions from its total workforce of 2,600 employees. The restructuring will affect operations across multiple cantons including Jura, Neuchâtel, Vaud, Fribourg, Valais, and the Bernese Jura. This major organizational change comes alongside the departure of Managing Director Michel Beaud, who is stepping down after more than three decades with the company.

The company's decision comes in response to declining operational performance, with sales falling by 4.2% to CHF1.1 billion in 2024. Operating performance (EBIT) dropped to CHF12 million, CHF6.6 million lower than in 2023. The decline is attributed to multiple factors, including restructuring costs from the closure of its fiber-optic business and poor profitability in major projects. Net profit decreased by 11.8% to CHF85 million, though this was partially offset by a CHF55 million contribution from EOSH Holding. The company has also faced a marked decline in sales of photovoltaic panels and heat pumps since 2023.

Groupe E has committed to implementing a comprehensive social plan in collaboration with the Syna trade union and staff representatives. The consultation procedure began in April 2025 and will continue until mid-May 2025. The actual job cuts are scheduled to take place either during the course of 2025 or at the beginning of 2026, depending on the consultation outcomes. The company has emphasized its commitment to ensuring a fair and respectful transition, including active support for affected employees in their job search efforts.

The restructuring is part of a broader strategic analysis aimed at making the Technical and Infrastructures Division more agile and profitable. While the company expects the reorganization to negatively impact performance in 2025, it projects improved profitability from 2026 onward. Despite current challenges, Groupe E's cash flow showed a significant increase of 57.4% to CHF170 million, which the company views as a positive indicator of its capacity to finance energy transition investments. The new organizational structure is designed to be more flexible and focused on promising activities, positioning the group for long-term sustainability.