Nokia Corporation has announced plans to scale back manufacturing at its Finland, Hungary, Mexican factories. This move will result in 4,000 people losing their jobs.

The company notes that these factories will remain open, but will now focus more so on smartphone product customization, and primarily service customers in Europe and the Americas. Device assembly will now be transferred to Nokia factories in Asia, where the bulk of component suppliers are based.

"Shifting device assembly to Asia is targeted at improving our time to market. By working more closely with our suppliers, we believe that we will be able to introduce innovations into the market more quickly, and ultimately be more competitive," says Niklas Savander, Nokia Executive Vice President, Markets. "We recognize the planned changes are difficult for our employees and we are committed to supporting our personnel and their local communities during the transition."

The 4,000 planned jobs cuts are to occur through the end of 2012. Nokia says that it will offer a comprehensive, locally tailored support program, including financial support and assistance with local re-employment to those that have to exit the company.

In September, Nokia said that it was closing its Cluj factory in Romania, and would later evaluate the situations in Finland, Hungary, and Mexico.

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