BREAKING: Pfizer to cut 100 jobs at Newbridge plant

Pharma giant Pfizer is to reduce the number of people it employs at its manufacturing plant in Newbridge by 100, RTE is reporting. 

The move is part of a wider global restructuring process arising from a significant drop in demand for its Covid-19 vaccines and treatments.

However, the company is also expanding its workforce at its production plant in Grange Castle, Co Dublin and Ringaskiddy in Cork, adding a further 230 new roles.

It is hoped that some of those who will lose their jobs in Newbridge may be able to take up some of the new positions in Grange Castle.

Pfizer had recently announced that it planned to cut its global costs by $3.5 billion over the next year because of the fall off in sale of its Covid-19 vaccine and Paxlovid anti-viral treatment.

A statement from Pfizer said: "Onsite operations were expanded in 2021 to meet pandemic needs but, considering the lower-than-expected utilization for our Covid-19 products, production is now scaling down in line with customer demand.

"As communicated in October, Pfizer has launched an enterprise-wide cost realignment programme to operate more efficiently and effectively."

"We expect to see overall growth in our manufacturing operations through 2024, including an additional 230 roles at our Grange Castle and Ringaskiddy sites."

Pfizer employs around 5,000 people in Ireland of which 1,200  currently work in Newbridge.

 A consultation process with staff in Newbridge around the job cuts is getting underway.

"We will be engaging with our colleagues and their representatives as applicable in relation to the planned changes," the Pfizer statement said.

"Pfizer's manufacturing sites in Ireland play a key role in the manufacture of many of our leading and newest medicines."

"We have invested $9 billion since operations began in 1969 and remain committed to expanding our Grange Castle site as announced in 2022."

It is anticipated that further changes affecting Pfizer's Irish operations will be announced in due course as part of the restructuring, although it is expected that they will have a minimal impact on the workforce here.

"Pfizer does not take these changes lightly," the company said.

"All decisions that impact people, processes and initiatives will be made with transparency, compassion and respect."

"We also remain committed to our patients and will continue to produce our Covid-19 antiviral treatment in Newbridge."