Nokia's decision to shift its smartphone focus to Windows Phone in 2011 wasn't a token gesture, but rather one part in a far wider revolution within the company.

As a result, the Finnish giant has already announced thousands jobs are to go across the company as its looks to streamline its operations, with a further 4,000 set to be cut across its manufacturing plants in 2012.

Devil in the detail

Nokia claims jobs will be lost at its plants in Komarom in Hungary, Reynosa in Mexico and Salo in Finland, with smartphone assembly transferred to Asia in order to be closer to suppliers.

It's not clear, however, whether this figure is in addition to the 3,500 manufacturing jobs Nokia announced would be cut back in September – the firm's plant in Cluj, Romania taking the lion's share – or if 4,000 is a re-evaluation of the cut backs.

Nokia also announced a total of 7,000 jobs were to be axed or outsourced as a result of the firm's switch to Windows Phone in April.

Difficult times

"Shifting device assembly to Asia is targeted at improving our time to market," said Nokia EVP Niklas Savander.

"By working more closely with our suppliers, we believe that we will be able to introduce innovations into the market more quickly and ultimately be more competitive.

"We recognise the planned changes are difficult for our employees and we are committed to supporting our personnel and their local communities during the transition."

[source: Nokia]