Invacare reorganizes in North America

ELYRIA, Ohio – Invacare has initiated a strategic reorganization in North America that affects less than 10% of its workforce but crosses over both the Rehab and Lifestyles business units, a company spokesperson has confirmed. 

When asked which employees were affected by the layoffs, a company spokesperson said, “After a thorough assessment of the current and future business environment, employees across the business were impacted.” 

The spokesperson continued: "The decision to restructure was not made lightly and we recognize the personal impact it may have on our employees. We remain committed to treating all affected individuals with respect and fairness. Our customers, suppliers and end-users remain our priority and we are focused on ensuring uninterrupted service for our valued customers.” 

Last year, Invacare appointed new leaders to its Rehab and Lifestyles business units in North America to move the needle following the company’s emergence from bankruptcy. When asked whether these moves didn’t get as much traction as Invacare hoped, the spokesperson said, “While we faced some unexpected challenges, we continue to work hard to regain the trust of our customers, end users and suppliers.” 

The spokesperson added: “With a leaner and more efficient organization, the company can continue to focus on improving the customer experience.” 

Invacare, as well as its two U.S. subsidiaries, Freedom Designs and Adaptive Switch Laboratories, successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 5, 2023. 

In addition to reorganizing into two business units, the company has made other moves following bankruptcy, including entering a new partnership with MTMC, a national sales organization; receiving a $40 million credit facility from White Oak ABL and White Oak Commercial Finance; and appointing Kai Zhu as its new senior vice president and CFO.