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Pfizer site in Sandwich set to retain 650 jobs | Pfizer site in Sandwich set to retain 650 jobs |
(about 1 hour later) | |
About 650 jobs will remain at the Kent research and development facility of the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer - 300 more than previously announced. | About 650 jobs will remain at the Kent research and development facility of the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer - 300 more than previously announced. |
It has emerged that about 800 staff have already left their posts at the Sandwich Discovery Park, with a further 700 still to go by the end of 2012. | It has emerged that about 800 staff have already left their posts at the Sandwich Discovery Park, with a further 700 still to go by the end of 2012. |
The company said a further 250 staff had moved to other UK sites. | The company said a further 250 staff had moved to other UK sites. |
Pfizer announced in February that its operation, which employs 2,400 people, would close. | Pfizer announced in February that its operation, which employs 2,400 people, would close. |
A total of about 1,500 staff will have been made redundant and about 900 staff retained by the end of the process. | A total of about 1,500 staff will have been made redundant and about 900 staff retained by the end of the process. |
A consultation process on the proposals formally ended on Thursday. | A consultation process on the proposals formally ended on Thursday. |
'Critical functions' | |
Kent County Council said the site offered an opportunity for new pharmaceutical, "cleantech" and hi-tech research and development companies to start up. | Kent County Council said the site offered an opportunity for new pharmaceutical, "cleantech" and hi-tech research and development companies to start up. |
In June Pfizer announced it would retain some operations at its research and development facility. | In June Pfizer announced it would retain some operations at its research and development facility. |
The company said it would continue its phased exit of the remainder of the site, on Ramsgate Road, by 2012 and it would review the retained operation within a few years as part of its business planning. | The company said it would continue its phased exit of the remainder of the site, on Ramsgate Road, by 2012 and it would review the retained operation within a few years as part of its business planning. |
Dr Annette Doherty, head of research and site leader, said the jobs to be retained in Sandwich were "critical functions" for the research and development of projects. | |
"We hope there will be many other scientific companies that are also here with us and that there's a diverse set of businesses here at Discovery Park in the future." | |
She added that staff would be located in three different buildings on the site, which would be leased from the future owner. | |
"Pfizer has made the decision to remain here for the future." |