DuPont to keep workforce lean

Delaware: DuPont chief executive Ellen Kullman, who cut 4,500 jobs and 10,000 contractors during the recession, said she will keep her workforce lean and stockpiles low in case the recovery falters.

“As the economy improves, we are all worried there will be another step down,” Kullman said in an interview at DuPont headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. “If you ask me what keeps me awake, that would be it.”

Kullman, 53, the first woman to run the 207-year-old company, reduced costs by $1bn as the recession slashed demand for DuPont’s automotive plastics, paints and electronic materials.