Pfizer to close UK research site Pfizer

**4me2** · 1st February 2011

Pfizer to close UK research site

Pfizer described the facilities in Sandwich as "excellent"

Pharmaceuticals group Pfizer is to close its research and development (R&D) facility in Kent, which employs 2,400 people.
Pfizer said the majority of people would be made redundant over the next two years.
But it added that it hoped to transfer several hundred positions to other sites or other companies doing work for Pfizer.
Business Secretary Vince Cable called the decision "extremely disappointing".
The company closed its manufacturing operations in Sandwich in 2007.
The move is part of Pfizer's reorganisation of its research and development capacity across the world.
The Sandwich site does research and development on allergy and respiratory drugs.
Pfizer's Ruth McKernan, who heads the site, said it had played "an important role in the discovery and development of medicines and has brought many life-saving treatments to patients".
A company spokesperson said the decision to close Sandwich did not reflect any unhappiness with government policy.

'Body blow'

Pfizer said that although it was moving out of the Sandwich site it hoped that R&D would continue there with a "partner organisation".
The Business Secretary, Vince Cable, said: "The company has been clear that this decision was part of its global programme of change and not based on a judgement of the UK as a location for pharmaceutical research."
He added that he would be meeting Pfizer, other companies and local representatives "as a matter of urgency to discuss innovative ideas for continuing R&D activities in this very well-equipped facility".
Conservative MP for South Thanet Laura Sandys said it was a body blow for east Kent and a big shock to the community.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12335801