It seems like Europe and Asia likes the "American Way" more than Americans. They don’t mention specific numbers but it looks like a bunch of American employees will soon lose their jobs at Amway as part of their strategic adjustment.

Amway Corp. today announced a series of changes to its supply chain structure aimed at improving the global direct selling leader’s competitive position.

“More than 80 percent of our customers buy our products outside the United States, and Amway needs to update its supply chain to reflect that,” said Amway chairman Steve Van Andel. “As part of our long-term strategy, we are moving some production closer to customers to cut supply times and significantly reduce shipping-related costs. Some of these steps are difficult, but they will help us drive long-term growth and sustain existing jobs in all our markets.”

Through 2013:

* Amway will move production of several smaller product lines to Europe and Asia, reducing supply time and cost.
* Most production of air treatment and water treatment systems will move to Asia by 2013, where the vast majority of those products are sold. Similarly, production of some home care products will shift closer to high-demand markets in Europe and Asia.
* The company will consolidate activities at two North American facilities and move some of their functions to other California and Michigan locations.

Source: Amway