Pfizer is to close two of its three UK manufacturing sites by 2020, leaving over 370 jobs hanging in the balance.
The New York City-based pharma giant said that the decision was “in no way related” to the UK’s vote to leave the European Union in June this year and commended the “excellent work” of its employees at both locations.
Instead, a spokesperson for the firm said the plans are part of an ongoing review of Pfizer’s worldwide operations, which will also see its headquarters moved for the first time in over 50 years.
Biosimilar specialist Hospira’s site at Park Royal, north London is set to close down by May 2017, the firm having been acquired by Pfizer last year in a $15bn deal.
Pfizer has already sold off Hospira’s infusion therapy business unit, bringing in $600m in cash and $400m in stock from buyer ICU Medical as it looks to focus on pharmaceuticals.
Its packaging and distribution site in Havant, Hampshire is also set to close, with the majority of the job losses expected here.
Pfizer has, however, committed to supporting the affected staff who will be considered for “a limited number of positions elsewhere within Pfizer”.
The firm is looking to sell the Havant plant as an ongoing pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and plans to transfer the work undertaken there to its Puurs, Belgium site.
It will work with existing customers to ensure all contracts are fulfilled without any disruption to the supply of its products.