News

FirstMerit Bank kicks off branch network optimization project

May 14, 2014

FirstMerit Bank N.A. has retained Diebold Inc. to carry out an assessment of branch and self-service networks in selected markets. Diebold Advisory Service will assist the FI to define an ideal mix of locations, self-service options and branch models to meet local consumer needs.

FirstMerit Bank, an affiliate of FirstMerit Corp., operates more than 400 branches and 430 ATMs throughout Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Pennsylvania. The FI’s work with Diebold Advisory Services will focus on current operations in the Cleveland-Akron-Canton, Detroit and Chicago markets.

Diebold staff will visit branch locations, interview stakeholders, analyze banking channel use data, review local demographics and assess branch performance metrics.

For each market, Diebold will then recommend ways to optimize the bank's distribution network, improve operational efficiencies and enhance the customer experience.

"FirstMerit is focused on improving customer experiences and operational efficiencies across our enterprise," said Jim Brocklehurst, EVP of retail banking at FirstMerit. "With Diebold's recommendations, we will ensure that we're accessible to our customers and that we're delivering the experience, solutions and services they desire."