Downstream units reorganised / Unions fear that Carting site could face closure in the future

摘要

"There won't be any outplacement plan or layoffs," CEO Christophe de Margerie reassured those who attended the recent presentation of the reorganisation plan for French oil and chemical giant Total (Courbevoie; www.total.com). The revised structure calls for a new division of the group's downstream and chemical activities in Europe; Total's upstream business unit will not be affected. The restructuring plan calls for moving the refinery business from the Downstream to the Chemicals unit, which also comprises plastics and specialised chemistry. Sales and marketing activities will constitute the other main pillar. De Margerie hopes the new structure will result in competitive integrated production and yield synergies between the refineries and their downstream units, which are usually located at the same site.