Motorola Labs announces restructuring, 150 layoffs

Schaumburg-based Motorola Labs, the heart of Motorola Inc.'s research-and-development and the future of its product line-ups, plans to eliminate around 150 positions as it restructures.

As part of the company's strategic review, Motorola is moving some Motorola Labs project groups into the businesses they support. This direct alignment will help research-and-development teams work with their business partners to optimize investment and focus on projects that deliver the greatest value for Motorola, said company spokesman Chuck Kaiser.

Effective 1 July, about 180 employees will be transferred to the Mobile Devices, Home & Networks Mobility and Government & Public Safety businesses, and a team of about 300 employees will remain in the central Applied Research & Technology Center organization.

"As we make this transition, we have the opportunity to realize efficiencies by streamlining the number of projects and prioritizing those that deliver the most value to our individual businesses and to Motorola overall," said Kaiser. "This does mean that we will discontinue some projects and approximately 150 employees will be impacted worldwide. We're currently assessing opportunities for eligible employees to apply for other positions within Motorola. Motorola very much appreciates the contributions of the affected employees to Motorola's past successes and regrets the need to take such actions. We are committed to treating our employees fairly and compassionately as we move through this process."

Richard N. Nottenburg, chief strategy and technology officer who more recently headed those operations, left in late May to become president and chief executive officer of Sonus Networks Inc. During his tenure there, Nottenburg oversaw acquisitions, divestitures, venture investments, business intelligence and played a major role in new initiatives centered on broadband and fourth-generation wireless, fiber-to-the home and next-generation video.