Rayovac 2010 Annual Report Download - page 56

incurred basis. In connection with these changes we undertook a number of cost reduction initiatives, primarily
headcount reductions, at the corporate and operating segment levels (the “Global Realignment Initiatives”),
including a headcount reduction of approximately 200 employees.
We also implemented a series of initiatives within our Global Batteries & Personal Care business segment in
Latin America to reduce operating costs (the “Latin America Initiatives”). These initiatives include the reduction
of certain manufacturing operations in Brazil and the restructuring of management, sales, marketing and support
functions. As a result, we reduced headcount in Latin America by approximately 100 employees.
Fiscal 2006. As a result of our continued concern regarding the European economy and the continued shift
by consumers from branded to private label alkaline batteries, we announced a series of initiatives in the Global
Batteries & Personal Care segment in Europe to reduce operating costs and rationalize our manufacturing
structure (the “European Initiatives”). These initiatives include the reduction of certain operations at our
Ellwangen, Germany packaging center and relocating those operations to our Dischingen, Germany battery plant,
transferring private label battery production at our Dischingen, Germany battery plant to our manufacturing
facility in China and restructuring the sales, marketing and support functions. As a result, we have reduced
headcount in Europe by approximately 350 employees or 24%.
Meeting Consumer Needs through Technology and Development
We continue to focus our efforts on meeting consumer needs for our products through new product
development and technology innovations. Research and development efforts associated with our electric shaving
and grooming products allow us to deliver to the market unique cutting systems. Research and development
efforts associated with our electric personal care products allow us to deliver to our customers products that save
them time, provide salon alternatives and enhance their in-home personal care options. We are continuously
pursuing new innovations for our shaving, grooming and hair care products including foil and rotary shaver
improvements, trimmer enhancements and technologies that deliver skin and hair care benefits.
During Fiscal 2010, we launched our Rayovac Platinum Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries. These
batteries are ready to use directly out of the package, and stay charged up to 3 times longer than other
rechargeable batteries. We also introduced Instant Ocean aquatic food and chemical products and additional
products under the Dingo and Nature’s Miracle brands.
During Fiscal 2009, we introduced the Roughneck Flex 360 flashlight. We also launched a long lasting
zero-mercury hearing aid battery. This product provides the same long lasting performance as conventional
hearing aid batteries, but with an environmentally friendly formula. During Fiscal 2009, we also introduced a line
of Tetra marine aquatic products, new dog treat items and enhanced Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor products.
During Fiscal 2008, we introduced longer lasting alkaline batteries in cell sizes AA and AAA. We also
launched several new products targeted at specific niche markets such as Hot Shot Spider Trap, Cutter Mosquito
Stakes, Spectracide Destroyer Wasp & Hornet and Spectracide Weed Stop. We also introduced a new line of
men’s rotary shavers with “360° Flex & Pivot Technology.” The flex and pivot technology allows the cutting
blades to follow the contour of a person’s face and neck. In addition, we added Teflon®coated heads to our
blades to reduce redness and irritation from shaving. We also introduced “The Short Cut Clipper.” The product is
positioned as the world’s first clipper with exclusive curved cutting technology. We also launched “Shine
Therapy,” a hair straightener with vitamin conditioning technology: Vitamin E, Avocado Oil and conditioners
infused into the ceramic plates.
During Fiscal 2007, advancements in shaver blade coatings continued to be significant with further
introductions of Titanium, Nano-Diamond, Nano-Silver and Tourmaline on a variety of products, which allowed
us to continue to launch new products or product enhancements into the market place.
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