STATEMENT FROM GLAXOSMITHKLINE CORK
Thursday 21st February 2008 - GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Currabinny today informed its workforce that, due to falling volumes for the product portfolio manufactured at the site, the company is proposing to implement a redundancy programme in the region of 100 permanent positions and advised that formal consultations will begin immediately.
“We very much regret the impact these proposals may have on our staff and their families,” said Mr. Finbar Whyte, Vice President and Site Director, GSK Currabinny. “In terms of any redundancies which may arise we will do everything we can to provide the necessary support to those impacted. This proposal is not a reflection on the performance of the site or the commitment of our employees.”
“Unfortunately, due to falling volumes globally of some of our site’s products we have excess capacity at Currabinny and this situation is not sustainable,” according to Mr. Whyte. “This proposal is necessary to protect the future of the Currabinny site which remains a key new product introduction site within GSK and, as such, has a strategic importance to GSK.”
Mr. Whyte also re-iterated GSK’s strong commitment to Ireland. “Over recent months GlaxoSmithKline announced investment plans at Cork, building on the considerable investment in the site over the past 5 years,” said Mr. Whyte. “GSK can confirm that these investments will go ahead as planned including the new TykerbTM facility, which will produce the Active Ingredient for the treatment of Breast Cancer.”
GSK has also invested heavily in R&D in Ireland and has two significant collaborations in place with the Institute of Neuroscience in Trinity College and the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre in University College Cork. These collaborations valued at over €28m will also continue.
- Ends –
For further information, contact:
Ann-Marie O’Sullivan, O’Sullivan PR. T: 021-4891100 / 086-8188163
Tina Quinn, O’Sullivan PR. T: 021-4891100 / 087-9881890
Notes to Editors:
GlaxoSmithKline
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 information about GSK visit the company website at www.GSK.com.
GlaxoSmithKline in Ireland
GSK has a strong heritage in Ireland and employs over 1600 people across 4 sites in Cork, Waterford and Dublin. Manufacturing and R&D facilities are based in Currabinny, Co. Cork and Dungarvan, Co. Waterford while commercial offices are based in Dublin. GSK is a significant contributor to the Irish economy. In 2006, GSK contributed €100m in salaries and wages, €900m in exports and €154m in payments to Irish suppliers.
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