Hydro had 19,249 employees at the end of 2009, a decrease from 22,634 in 2008. The reduction was primarily a result of ongoing restructuring processes, including closure of the Søderberg line at Karmøy, Norway, and closures and reductions in our downstream operations and central staffs. Our automotive structures operations were sold in late 2009, directly affecting some 1,200 employees.
The demanding market situation, see page 5, has resulted in capacity reductions and closures throughout the organization. This includes reductions in staff and support manning by 30 percent and NOK 750 million in reduced manning and external costs.
In this difficult situation, we also see the importance of maintaining our position as an attractive employer. New employees are offered essential training, to better understand the organization and their work tasks, and to gain the required competence within health, security, safety and environment.
Most of our roughly 19,000 employees are located in Europe, slightly more than 80 percent, with the largest concentration in Norway and Germany representing 23 percent each. The remainder is split evenly between France, Spain and Italy in total, and the rest of Europe at 19 percent each. About 11 percent of our work force is located in the Americas and roughly 5 percent is located in Asia and Australia. We emphasize diversity with regard to nationality, culture, gender and educational background when recruiting, and forming management teams and other working groups. Women are represented in all business areas and most sector management teams, and we are aiming at further diversity at all levels.
In 2009, only around 70 new employees were recruited to the Norwegian part of the organization, compared to 450 in 2008. Of these, 21 percent were women in 2009, compared to 30 percent in 2008. 27 percent of the university graduates recruited in 2009 were women. In the Norwegian organization as a whole, 19 percent are women. Since 2005, Hydro has recruited 102 graduate trainees, 45 women and 57 men. These represent 28 different nationalities. At Hydro's plant in Grevenbroich, Germany, which has close to 1,800 employees, there are 24 nationalities represented, and the share of non-German employees is 11.4 percent. The largest non-German group is Turkish, representing 55 percent of all non-German employees.
We are continually adjusting working conditions so that all employees, regardless of their operability, have the same opportunities. The principle of equal terms is prioritized in recruitment, job promotions and individual development. In the restructuring processes carried out in 2009, some jobs were organized for employees with reduced operability, with the physical working environment adapted accordingly.
All employees shall be secured a total salary that is fair, competitive, and in accordance with the local industry standard. Only relevant qualifications such as performance, education, experience and other professional criteria shall be taken into account when making appointments, or when providing training, settling remuneration and awarding promotion. There are no significant gender pay differentials for employees earning collectively negotiated wages in Norway. Salary conditions for graduates in the Norwegian business are reviewed on a regular basis. No general gender-related differences have been found. See also note 11 for further information on our compensation system.
We acknowledge that 2009 has been a challenging year to most employees and would like to extend our thanks to all of them for their substantial contributions through difficult times. We also send our thoughts and best wishes to those who had to leave Hydro during the year.
