| By GlaxoSmithKline |
| Wednesday, 12 November 2008 |
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Following the conclusion of a recent review of activities at GSK’s manufacturing site in Dartford, it is proposed that the facility be closed and production be transferred to alternative facilities. The proposed closure, which is subject to consultation with trade union and staff representatives, would result in the loss of around 620 |
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established roles at the Dartford site over the next four years, with closure of operations by 2013.
The proposals were developed after taking into account a substantial decline in forecast demand for the Dartford site’s two largest products which, prior to patent expiries, account for 60% of total volumes manufactured at the site. The current level of manufacturing activity at Dartford is not expected to be replaced by the same level of new |
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business, driving utilisation at the site down to an unsustainable level.
Joe Foley, Dartford Site Director, said, “GSK regrets the impacts this proposal would have on employees and the local community, with whom we have built strong links over many years. As always, we will treat employees fairly and will provide appropriate support to help our staff through this difficult period. The proposal is no reflection on the professionalism and commitment of Dartford employees, but that of the fiercely competitive environment in which the pharmaceutical industry operates”.
The Dartford site currently manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients for a range of GSK medicines, including a number of older products. It is proposed that production of a number of these products, including Lamictal (lamotrigine) for epilepsy/bipolar disorder and Valtrex (valaciclovir) for |
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herpes, be transferred to other manufacturing companies. Production of newer products that are currently proposed for manufacture at the Dartford site would transfer to other sites within the GSK network.
GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.
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