Pfizer Ireland, Newbridge , Co. Kildare - -a former Wyeth facility

Pfizer, the world's biggest pharmaceutical firm, is to cut 785 jobs at its Irish operations as part of a plan to shed  6,000 jobs worldwide over the next five years.

About 275 jobs will be cut at Newbridge, 210 in Dún Laoghaire, 225 at Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork and 75 at Shanbally, Co Cork. Pfizer currently employs about 5,000 people across 13 locations in Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, and Sligo and last October completed a merger with rival Wyeth. The planned cuts are part of a plan to increase manufacturing efficiency and lower costs through more effective use of resources and technology, improve plant processes and eliminate excess capacity.

Pfizer said it plans to shut manufacturing operations over the next 18 months to five years at Loughbeg, Caguas in Puerto Rico,and Rouses Point in the US. The plants currently manufacture tablets and capsules. Also marked for closure is the plant in Dublin that makes sterile injectable medicines and one in Carolina, Puerto Rico. The company will reduce the size of its operations in Newbridge, and a second plant in Illertissen, Germany.

“The restructuring of our global plant network is critical to our efforts to remain competitive so that we can continue to meet patient needs and expand the access and affordability of our medicines,”said Pfizer Global Manufacturing President Nat Ricciardi. “Nevertheless, today’s announcement is very difficult to make because of its impact on our colleagues,” Ricciardi added.  “We have a tremendous global workforce and some of the best manufacturing facilities in the industry.  But we must continue to adjust to the fast-changing and extremely competitive environment in which we operate.  That means realigning our network and reducing our manufacturing capacity so that we can position Pfizer for the next phase of growth across biopharmaceuticals and our diversified business portfolio.”

In 2009, Pfizer said it would cut 19,000 jobs, about 15 per cent of the 129,500 employees it would have following the merger with Wyeth.

Exports from mainly US-owned pharmaceutical and medical device firms account for about 55% of Irish merchandise exports and during the recession, the strong performance of this sector offset big declines in other sectors.

Global Overview

•  Pfizer Global Manufacturing (PGM) has recommended changes to its worldwide plant network aimed at fully integrating the Pfizer and Wyeth manufacturing and supply organizations.

• These proposed changes will improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs by more effectively using resources and technology, improving plant processes, eliminating excess capacity, and better aligning production with product demand.

•  By the end of 2015, PGM plans to cease operations at eight sites globally and reduce operations at six others. Sites to be exited are located in Ireland, Puerto Rico, and the United States.  Reductions are expected at plants located in Germany, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

•  These recommendations will result in a global headcount reduction of approximately 6,000 over the next several years.

• The timing of site exits will depend upon the complexity of operations, the amount of time required for product transfers, and other business requirements.

Ireland Impact

• Pfizer plans to exit operations over the next eighteen months to five years at its solid-dose plant in Loughbeg, aseptic facility in Dun Laoghaire, and biotechnology plant in Shanbally. The company will also reduce operations at its solid-dose facility in Newbridge.

•  275 roles are impacted by the recommended reduction of the Newbridge operation. A further 510 are at risk due to proposed exits from the Dun Laoghaire, Loughbeg and Shanbally sites. Dun Laoghaire (~210), Loughbeg (~225), Newbridge (~275), Shanbally (~75).

• Pfizer says it is keenly aware of the impact these changes will have on its colleagues, the community, and the country, and the company will make a concerted effort to sell the sites where operations are intended to be discontinued. 

Pfizer in Ireland

• Pfizer says it continues to have a major presence in Ireland, including Centres of Excellence in the manufacture of Biologics and Vaccines, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Solid Oral Doses and Nutritionals which are critical to the company’s manufacturing operations.

• As previously announced Pfizer has entered into agreements with Elanco, Eli Lilly’s Animal Health division, whereby Elanco will acquire the Sligo manufacturing facility.

• The company currently employs approx 5,000 colleagues in the country, and continues to explore investment and expansion opportunities.

• The company is planning further capital investment and new positions in its biotechnology operations in Ireland.

• Manufacturing sites are located in Askeaton, Dun Laoghaire, Grange Castle, Little Island, Loughbeg, Newbridge, Ringaskiddy, and Shanbally.

• Key products currently manufactured in Ireland include Lipitor, Prevenar, Enbrel, SMA, Sutent, Geodon, Premarin, Effexor and Viagra.