Nokia Siemens Networks plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 17,000 by the end of 2013.

Nokia Siemens Networks will begin the process of engaging with employee representatives in accordance with country-specific legal requirements to find socially responsible means to address these reduction needs. More information will be shared in impacted countries as the process proceeds, says the company.

In order to reduce the impact of the planned reductions, Nokia Siemens Networks intends to launch locally led programs at the most affected sites to provide re-training and re-employment support.

The total global workforce of Nokia Siemens Networks on 1 November 2011 was approximately 74,000.

Rajeev Suri (CEO, Nokia Siemens Networks): Despite the need to restructure parts of our company, our commitment to research and development remains unchanged, with investment in mobile broadband expected to increase over the coming years.

Nokia Siemens Networks targets to reduce it annualized operating expenses and production overheads by EUR 1 billion by the end of 2013, compared to the end of 2011. While these savings are expected to come largely from organizational streamlining, the company will also target areas such as real estate, information technology, product and service procurement costs, overall general and administrative expenses, and a significant reduction of suppliers in order to further lower costs and improve quality.