Pfizer announced this morning that the last of its UK plants will close with the Sandwich manufacturing operations in east Kent. The decision brings an end to 53 years of manufacturing history at the plant, and will leave 420 without jobs. Pfizer says that the layoffs, which have also included R&D and sales cuts over the past two years, are a result of its consolidation plan for global manufacturing operations.
BBC reports that the closure was not a reflection on the performance of a "talented and skilled workforce," (Not very comforting from the unemployment lines...) some of whom have been with Pfizer since the plant's opening.
Pfizer plans to shift some UK production to Pfizer sites in Ireland and the U.S. and is also considering outsourcing other activities to third parties.
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