The Nokia Research Centre in Burnaby will close by 2013 as part of its global cost-cutting measures, which include 10,000 layoffs worldwide.
Nokia spokesperson Keith Nowak confirmed the news Thursday by email but would not say how many employees the company has in Burnaby or how many would be let go, when the closure would happen, or the specific reason for closing the Burnaby location.
The receptionist at the Nokia Burnaby facility in Glenlyon Business Park would not comment on the closure and said all questions should be directed to Nowak.
In addition to the Burnaby closure, Nokia is closing its research and development facility in Ulm, Germany and its manufacturing facility in Salo, Finland. However, its research and development arm in Salo will not close.
"These planned reductions are a difficult consequence of the intended actions we believe we must take to ensure Nokia's long-term competitive strength," said Stephen Elop, Nokia president and CEO, in a press release. "We do not make plans that may impact our employees lightly, and as a company we will work tirelessly to ensure that those at risk are offered the support, options and advice necessary to find new opportunities."
The company is also making changes to its senior management team as part of the cost-reduction and organizational restructuring plan.
Nokia plans to focus on investing in its smartphones and location-based services and improve its feature phone business, according to the release.
The Finnish cellphone company opened its Burnaby facility at 9200 Glenlyon Parkway in 2003.
In 2005, Nokia launched the N91, 8GB mass-market music phone. The entire development of the N91 device was implemented and coordinated from the Nokia Burnaby facility.
