John Chen, the CEO of BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) said the workforce reduction, which was implemented by the company three years ago is over.
In a memo to the employees, Chen wrote, “We have completed the restructuring notification process, and the workforce reduction that began three years ago is now behind us.”
He noted that during the process of reviving the business of the Canadian smartphone manufacturer, many employees were terminated and many others decided to leave. He added that those who stayed were often uncertain about company’s future and their future.
“I know it can be very difficult to maintain a high level of focus and commitment during a time of turmoil and uncertainty,” said Chen.
Chen expressed confidence that the management of BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) has the right organization in place to execute its business strategy.
BlackBerry plans to begin ‘modest hiring’
BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) plans to start hiring in modest numbers in certain areas of its business including product development, sales and customer services, according to Chen.
When the company reported a surprise quarterly profit for the first-quarter that ended March 31, Chen indicated the possibility that BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) would again hire since majority of the layoffs had been completed.
At the time, Chen emphasized, “Our performance in fiscal Q1 demonstrates that we are firmly on track to achieve important milestones, including our financial objectives and delivering a strong product portfolio.”
In his memo, Chen reiterated that BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) is on track to achieving its goal of positive free cash flow by the end of fiscal 2015.
BlackBerry ready to make strategic acquisitions
Chen also expressed that BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) is ready to make strategic acquisitions. In fact, the Canadian smartphone manufacturer recently acquired Secusmart, a high-security and data encryption company.
Chen said acquiring Secusmart will boost BlackBerry’s “security solutions with leading voice and data encryption and anti-eavesdropping technologies, and furthers BlackBerry’s security leadership in end-to-end mobile solutions.”
Chen concluded his memo reminding the employees of the company that “there is no margin for error” to complete the turnaround of BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) to success. He asked employees at every level to help and focus more than ever on execution.
