Safeguarding jobs through sale of Pfizer sites a priority for IDA – Martin

I have been fully briefed by the vice president of Pfizer on the company’s future plans globally and in Ireland.

Following the non-approval by America’s Food and Drug Administration of the company’s latest cholesterol drug, torcetrapib, Pfizer is now implementing the outcome of a major review of production facilities worldwide.

As part of this review 65 jobs will be lost in Pfizers in Ringaskiddy. In addition two of the facilities, the API operation at Little Island employing 180 workers and the Loughbeg plant employing 300 people, are to be put up for sale as a going concern over the next 2 years. The vice president pointed out that the company has successfully sold on such plants in the past.

This is very disappointing and I have been assured that the company will be offering every support to these workers, in addition FÁS will make contact with each of these individuals to assist them in seeking alternative employment.

These are difficult times for the workers and their families. The Government’s priority, together with the IDA is to save these 480 jobs by supporting Pfizer in its efforts to secure the sale of the plants.

It is worth noting that Pfizer is shedding 10,000 of its employees worldwide. Pfizers plants in Cork and Dun Laoghaire remain pivotal to the company.

The recent decision of Pfizer to initiate a project for a new biologicals small scale facility in Cork, with the support of the Government, is significant and has potential.

Pfizer continues to invest in its Irish facilities and are clear Ireland remains a key manufacturing location. New technologies are changing the way drugs are being manufactured and €375 million has been invested in new technology to secure the future of Pfizer’s Irish operations.

ENDS