Oct 4 (Reuters) - Ericsson ERICb.ST :
* Announces changes in operations in Sweden
* Says intends to reduce 3,000 positions in production, research and development and sales and administration
* Says intends to recruit about 1,000 research and development positions in Sweden over the coming three years,
* Ericsson says will also make general cost reductions and take out external costs, primarily by reducing the number of consultants in sweden by 900,
* Ericsson says the cost and efficiency program targeting savings of SEK 9 billion during 2017, is progressing according to plan