Novartis centralizes various activities in Switzerland in Rotkreuz, in the canton of Zug. The measure affects around 400 employees. Among the closed units is the Bernese one, while the provision does not affect Basel. This was communicated by the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, specifying that these are transfers and not job cuts.
After Novartis has taken over the ophthalmological company Alcon, the Ciba-Vision factory in Embrach (Zurich) will also close its doors. In 2012 these activities will be integrated into other Swiss Alcon sites, and it is not yet clear whether the measure will lead to a reduction in headcount.
As regards other lines of business, by the beginning of 2013, in addition to the Bern site, those in Cham Steinhausen and Hünenberg (Zug) will be closed. In practice, the Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines & Diagnostics, Alcon, Sandoz and Consumer Health Otc units aimed at the Swiss market will be brought together in Rothkreuz. In the spring, the top management of the group will consult the personnel affected by the measure and will subsequently prepare a transfer plan.
According to the note, the concentration of activity is linked both to the merger with Alcon and to the growing pressures on drug prices, which are pushing them to be more competitive. Finally, the Basel giant sees advantages in recruiting staff from the Zurich-Zug region.
Paola Olgiati – 29 June 2011 – Pharmakronos
