Employees

The number of employees (full-time equivalents, FTEs) increased slightly to 23,560 as at 30 September 2015 (31 December 2014: 22,669). This rise predominantly related to a strengthening of the service function, expansion of production and the first-time consolidation of Egemin Automation. Most of the hiring took place in western Europe and Asia.

The increased headcount, changes to collective bargaining agreements and additions to pension provisions caused personnel expenses to go up by 10.1 per cent to €949.5 million (Q1 – Q3 2014: €862.7 million). Currency effects also pushed up personnel expenses. > TABLE 16

Employees (full-time equivalents)

16

 

30/09/2015

31/12/2014

Change

Western Europe

16,638

15,985

4.1%

Eastern Europe

1,844

1,767

4.4%

Americas

686

651

5.4%

Asia

3,828

3,722

2.8%

Rest of world

564

544

3.7%

Total

23,560

22,669

3.9%