Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
On 13 September 2011, pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer Belgium announced an internal restructuring plan affecting around 167 jobs from now until the end of the 2012. The job cuts will mainly concern administrative and sales staff in Brussels (Ixelles). According to the management, the measure is attributed to the uncertain macro-economic environment, high costs for research, the loss of patent on certain drugs and the increase use of generic drugs.
This is the third mass redundancy drive over the last five years. The two previous waves of dismissals occurred following the merger between Pfizer and Pharmacia. According to the unions, this restructuring is linked to the recent takeover of Wyeht.
Aside from the site in Brussels, which employs some 550 people, Pfizer operates other four sites in Belgium: a research unit in Anderlecht (50 employees), two production sites in Puurs (1.350 employees) and Louvain-la-Neuve (200 employees), and a distribution and logistics centre in Zaventem (300 employees). In total, Pfizer Belgium employs some 2,450 people.
Eurofound (2011), Pfizer, Internal restructuring in Belgium, factsheet number 72406, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/72406.
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