Planned Pfizer job losses 'deeply regrettable' - Minister O'Keeffe

‘State agencies to help workers and target firms to buy facilities as global Pfizer headcount cuts impact Ireland’ - Minister

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD, has said he deeply regretted the job losses announced today [Tuesday] in Pfizer Global Manufacturing (PGM) following the company's review of its global plant network.

PGM’s announcement that it plans to cut its worldwide workforce by 6,000 in 14 sites over the next four years is aimed at integrating the Pfizer and Wyeth manufacturing and supply organisations which have significant overcapacity following the company's takeover of Wyeth late last year.

‘Although the company plans to cut its global headcount by 6,000, Pfizer remains a major multinational employer in Ireland, with more than 4,200 workers involved in the manufacture of high-end products for the life science industry worldwide,’ said Minister O'Keeffe.

Minister O'Keeffe said the Government’s priority would be to provide training and re-employment services to the 275 workers losing their jobs in Newbridge, Co Kildare, and to work with PGM to save the other 510 jobs at risk due to the planned closure of plants in Cork and Dublin.

Between the end of this year and 2011, 135 jobs will go in Newbridge, with the remainder lost in 2013.

‘The State’s job creation and training agencies, including FÁS, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the relevant County Enterprise Boards, will provide every possible support to the workers and the company in managing the impact of today's announcement.

‘I have asked IDA Ireland to begin the search for other major players in the life science sector to take over the facilities in Loughbeg and Shanbally in Cork and Dún Laoghaire in Dublin over the 18-month to five-year closure period set by PGM.

‘IDA Ireland has a strong track record in sourcing same-sector replacement industries for vacated facilities and I will be urging the agency to prioritise its endeavours in the cases of the plants in Cork and Dublin.

‘I know that PGM is planning further capital investments and new positions in its biotechnology operations in Ireland so the Government will do all it can to support the company's growth plans.

‘Although the 275 job losses in Newbridge are devastating for the workers, their families and communities, it should be acknowledged that the company has retained a workforce of 770 in the plant,’ said Minister O'Keeffe.

ENDS\ETI2215

Bernard Mallee

Special Adviser on Press and Communications

Minister Batt O'Keeffe TD

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation

Kildare St

Dublin 2

Tel: +353 1 631 3944

Fax: +353 1 631 2828

Mobile: +353 87 9173022

Email: bernard.mallee@deti.ie