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Industry Correspondent
The news that nearly 450 employees of a pharmaceutical company in North Dublin are going to lose their jobs has been described as a “devastating blow” by Tánaiste and Business Minister Leo Varadkar.
Viatris staff in Baldoyle were informed on Friday that the plant will close within a two-year period as part of a global restructuring of the company. Viatris was established after the recent merger of two other pharmaceutical companies, Mylan and Upjohn.
The plant manufactures oral solid dose generic drugs and there are currently 440 people employed at the Baldoyle operation.
It is one of 15 manufacturing sites around the world that the company will close, downsize or divest as “deemed to be no longer viable due to overcapacity, challenging market dynamics or a change in product portfolio. towards products products ”.
“Viatris intends to close manufacturing operations at this facility by the end of 2022. That said, there will be no immediate downsizing at the site,” the company said of the North Dublin plant.
“It is anticipated that the majority of its workforce at the Baldoyle site will remain employed until the end of 2022, as the company will close its operations over the next two years.”
‘Difficult year’
In a statement, Mr. Varadkar said it was “really devastating news” for the affected workers and their families in the run-up to Christmas after what has been an “exceptionally difficult year for everyone.”
“I understand that this development is not related to Covid-19, but is related to a global restructuring of the company. Despite this disappointing decision by the company, Viatris has made it clear that they remain fully committed to Ireland and even after this announcement they will employ more than 1,400 employees across the country in Galway, Dublin and Cork. ”
Mr. Varadkar said the government would make available to workers “all necessary state assistance” and help affected personnel to find new jobs or return to education.
“I am well aware of how challenging a time is for workers and how concerned many people are about their future and the uncertainties that exist. However, as difficult as it is to appreciate now, Ireland is in a very strong position to recover and we will continue to work to attract new investment and new opportunities.
Not taken lightly
Vitaris said the decision to phase out manufacturing operations at Mylan’s former Baldoyle plant was not a decision made lightly.
He said he would work with public representatives and the community to identify appropriate potential alternatives for the site, if possible.
“Meanwhile, Viatris remains committed to treating those affected fairly and with respect,” the company said.
“The company will offer employees complete severance packages, including continuation of pay and medical care, career guidance services, and ongoing coverage under the employee assistance program, subject to consultation with elected employee representatives.” .
The spokesman for the local company TD and the Labor Party, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, asked that the workers be supported and that the IDA and the government examine whether the facility could be offered to other pharmaceutical companies.
“The announcement of future job losses is always worrying, but particularly so close to Christmas and I am concerned that so many jobs will be lost in one place. It is a severe blow to the workers and the local community, ”he said.
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