Nokia replaces design head, expands Mexico plant

MANHASSET, N.Y. — Nokia Corp. has formed a single company-wide design organization, centralizing all aspects of design from strategy and conceptualization to product development.

The global design unit combines teams in industrial design, user interface and interaction design, ergonomics, communications design, packaging design, colors & materials, sensorial technologies, consumer insight and design management.

As part of the restructuring, current head of design, Frank Nuovo will leave the company April 1, 2006, though will continue to work with Nokia in a consulting role.

Alastair Curtis, currently responsible for design at Nokia's Mobile Phones business group, will replace Nuovo as head of design. Curtis has been with Nokia since 1993.

In an unrelated development, Nokia has expanded production at its Reynosa, Mexico plant.

Nokia invested over $50 million to expand the plant, designed to serve a growing customer base in Latin and North America.