Picker retools service division

Picker International this monthannounced a reorganization of its service operation. The restructuringis designed to lower service costs by consolidating the division'soperations.

The service division's district service and operations functionshave been consolidated into eight larger zone offices. The officeswill handle management of field service personnel and relatedsupport activities. Service billing, equipment billing for Picker'sHealth Care Products division and service parts administrationwill be centralized at Picker's Cleveland headquarters.

Picker will still maintain 16 district sales offices, and HealthCare Products will keep its current distribution center configuration.Field service engineers will continue to service their existingcustomer base.

About 55 employees are affected by the move, some of whom maybe integrated into the new zone offices or relocated into otherpositions in the company.