Newell Rubbermaid, the maker of Rubbermaid containers and Sharpie pens, said it was simplifying its structure to find savings and to focus more on its high-growth businesses and markets. The new structure, effective on Jan. 1, will reduce the number of operating groups to two from three, with one for consumers and the other for the professional market. Newell will also consolidate its manufacturing plants and distribution centers. The changes will result in 500 layoffs, primarily white-collar jobs. The company also reported better-than-expected earnings and affirmed its full-year outlook. Newell reported a net loss of $177.6 million, which included a one-time charge of a charge of $382.6 million. Shares of the company rose 11 percent, to $15.36.

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