Stryker on track for 1,000 layoffs ahead of medtech tax

November 20, 2012 by MassDevice staff

Orthopedic giant Stryker is on track with the previously announced layoffs that the company blamed on the 2.3% medical device tax slated to take effect in January.

The layoffs, which Stryker announced around this time last year, are being conducted on a rolling basis and the company expects to free up more than $100 million in costs before next year.

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Stryker spokeswoman Tamara Cutler confirmed with reporters that the layoffs were underway as planned.

"The estimated 5% workforce reduction was announced in Nov. 2011 and at that time, we had approximately 20,000 global employees, so the 5% was estimated to be about 1,000 employees," Cutler told mLive, dispelling rumors that surfaced over the weekend putting layoff figures closer to 1,200 employees.

"The reductions are still expected to be complete by the end of 2012," she added.

Read more of MassDevice.com's coverage of the medical device tax.

Stryker initially announced the layoffs in November 2011, saying at the time that the
reductions should free up capital for strategic investments and growth "despite the ongoing challenging economic environment and market slowdown in elective procedures."

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