Petrochemical group BP is combining most of its sub-Saharan operations under one regional umbrella to make its working processes more effective. It will result in changes at the fuel company.
Petrochemical group BP is combining most of its sub-Saharan operations under one regional umbrella to make its working processes more effective. It will result in changes at the fuel company.
BP spokesman Keith Bryer said the company was integrating its manufacturing, retail, commercial and industrial sales and service divisions (human resources, finance, corporate affairs, etc) into one regional operation.
"The businesses in South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Namibia have traditionally each operated largely within their national boundaries. We are now creating an organisation that will work regionally, across borders,” he said.
All BP operations south of the Sahara (excluding the Angolan oil exploration and production activities and all downstream (refining, manufacturing and marketing of fuel) distribution activities will be re-aligned.
Bryer said the changes were part of the company’s plan to "rearrange the way it manages its downstream business in Africa ". He said the process was about halfway through and should be completed by December 7.
“The changes that have been implemented so far are mainly at the top levels of the company. The balance of the 3 000 jobs in the region is now being considered.
"There may be some retrenchments in the regional context," said Bryer, "But they are unlikely to be large, most are likely to be voluntary, although it too soon to be categoric.
"We’re looking at a new way of serving the entire region. The staff has been informed of the possible changes and will be able to apply for bigger and better jobs than the positions they presently have," Bryer said.
Bryer said he would not describe the changes as a classic example of restructuring. "It’s about re-examining the way we do business in Africa and transforming ourselves in such a way that we are better able to face the challenges and opportunities of the regional petroleum market," he said.
BP’s management is at present meeting in Johannesburg to discuss the final phase of the plan. The meeting that began this week will end on November 23.
