Pfizer who are one of the largest drugs companies in the world has decided to keep 350 staff at research and development facility in Sandwich, Kent, which invented the best selling drug Viagra. – But 1,500 workers will still get the axe.
It had originally caused outrage from the government when it announced plans to close its research and development facility. But the multinational has said it will retain part of the operation, while closing the rest of the site by the end of 2012.
The company said it hopes that new investors will be attracted to join them at the site now that it has pledged to maintain a presence there. Pfizer said the positions will support the development of products in its mid and late-stage pipeline.
Dr Ruth McKernan, of Pfizer, said: “We are hopeful that by retaining this core group, Pfizer will be the first of many companies to locate on the site. “We remain focused on securing new owners and investment into Discovery Park.”
Dr Annette Doherty, who will take over from Dr McKernan as the new site director at Sandwich, said: "Pfizer's retained pharmaceutical sciences operations at Sandwich will maintain a nucleus of industry leading talent, skills and capabilities in science and technology at the site. "It will be a key part of my role as site director to support the hard work that is being done to find new uses for the site, and continue to support colleagues through the transition as we proceed with our phased exit of the site."
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