Reckitt Benckiser to cut costs with tough 2015 ahead

British consumer goods maker Reckitt Benckiser Group announced a cost-cutting plan on Wednesday to adapt to markets that have become more competitive in the face of economic uncertainty. Reckitt, which spun off its pharmaceuticals business last year, said the new programme was designed to save 100 million to 150 million pounds ($229.3 million) per year by 2017 and would include some job cuts.
Chief Executive Officer Rakesh Kapoor said the plan would look at everything from how employees travel and communicate to how they buy stationary. For example, Kapoor said he will fly economy class on flights under six hours. The company, which makes Mucinex cold remedies, Durex condoms and Dettol cleaners, announced the cost-cutting plan after reporting a four percent rise in like-for-like sales in 2014, when growth in emerging markets slowed.