Pfizer Animal Health moves jobs to Michigan

Pfizer Animal Health is consolidating its research in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and will move jobs there from abroad and the surrounding area, according to a company statement.

The moves, which will begin in Q3/ 4 2007, will bring 550 employees to the company's Kalamazoo operations by 2009.

Some 65 new jobs will be added to the site as the company relocates employees from Sandwich, England, and others working at Pfizer's Richland Township farm in Kalamazoo County.

The 8,500-hectare farm will continue as Pfizer's global centre in veterinary medicine research, the company said in a statement. Pfizer recently completed USD 50m in laboratory and building investments there. Many of the company's animal-medicine products were developed, at least partially, in Kalamazoo County.

Pfizer Animal Health posted USD 2.3bn in sales in FY06. Its products include drugs for obesity, nausea and antibiotic protection in dogs, as well as antibiotic and antiparasitics for cattle, dairy animals, dogs and cats.

The plan is subject to the approval of worker groups and local labour laws in England. If approved, some workers there will be offered transfers, and all will be eligible to bid on openings in Kalamazoo and other Pfizer locations, the company added.