BlackBerry closing Halifax office; 350 employees to be laid off

BlackBerry is closing its office in Bedford, putting more than 350 people out of work.

BlackBerry says the facility will close permanently on January 10, 2014.

The company says it will repay the government $2 Million advanced as part of a joint agreement made last February to create a Centre of Excellence.

“We know that our employees in Halifax have worked hard on behalf of our company and we are grateful for their commitment and contributions,” said the company in a statement. “This is difficult news for them and for the community of Halifax. However, these changes are necessary in order to refocus our business to drive the company towards profitability and success in a maturing and more competitive mobile industry.”

The Halifax facility was mainly comprised of BlackBerry Technical Support representatives and a few other groups including administration.

BlackBerry says about 30 employees will transition to a work-from-home role.

“We will do everything in our power to treat our employees with compassion, and will support them during this time of transition,” said the company.

BlackBerry says it will give companies severance compensation and access to outplacement services.

BlackBerry was originally announced as the home for technical support in November, 2005. The grand opening of the Bedford facility was held on September 17, 2008.

“I think BlackBerry had a specific niche, and conditions change rapidly in that particular industry,” said Bedford MLA Kelly Regan. “I was really sad for the three hundred-plus families that have family working there. Regan said she’s already heard rumblings of potential tenants that could take BlackBerry’s place in the offices.

Mayor Mike Savage says Halifax has become a hub for business and say there’s a lot more on the horizon.

“We have an educated workforce,” said Savage. “We have a lot to offer companies in that area.”

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today