ScienceBlog.ie

As Friday last (16th Oct) was officially the day Wyeth became Pfizer, we thought it presented the perfect opportunity to profile what is now one of Ireland’s largest employers. An internet search for Wyeth will bring you to the new Pfizer page (link).

Sites:
Pfizer Newbridge -In their Newbridge facility, where we manufacture a wide range of market-leading solid-dosage pharmaceuticals. With close to 1,400 people, they currently manufacture approximately 10 billion tablets/capsules and package approximately 200 million packs per annum at their state-of-the-art 850,000 sq. ft. facility. The facility has seen significant growth since start-up with annual tablet volumes increasing from 0.5 billion tablets (46 million packs) in 1993 to todays current levels. The number of product variations has grown from 32 to over 1100 in the same period and headcount has risen from approximately 300 in 1993 to presently close to 1400. This facility has become a centre of manufacturing excellence for global and regional supply of existing product portfolios as well as being the manufacturer of choice for new and innovative therapies currently in the R&D pipeline.

Pfizer Biotech, Grange Castle -The worlds largest biopharmaceutical campus which currently employs 1,300 people. The products manufactured here include Enbrel (for rheumatoid arthritis) and Prevenar, which is used to treat pneumonia in children.The company has invested more than $1 billion in this ‘green field’ production facility in Ireland with the construction of a multi-product biopharmaceutical campus.

Fort Dodge, Sligo – an animal health company previously owned by Wyeth. The operation employs around 120 people and manufacturers a range of both modified live (MLV) and inactivated veterinary vaccines. These vaccines are for the protection of the client animal against diseases caused by a specific range of viruses and/or bacteria.

Pfizer Nutritionals, Askeaton, Co. Limerick – Established in 1974, this world class facility is the largest purpose built infant nutritional production facility in the world. The plant produces both powdered formulas and a liquid ready to feed range of products. The plant has an annual production capacity of 50 million kilograms.

Pfizer Ringaskiddy / Little Island / Cork City – Organic Synthesis (originally citric acid manufacture), including the API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) for Viagra are manufactured in this plant.. Cue many Viagra-related jokes! There is also an operations Support office in Cork city.

Pfizer Dun Laoighre – Established in 1970, this site produced 7.2 million vials in 2000. Since then it has steadily expanded to introduce new sterile products and a new 10,000 sq ft sterile manufacturing facility.

Sales & Marketing Offices. Both Wyeth and Pfizer had Sales, Marketing and Clinical Affairs offices in Dublin (Ballycoolin and CityWest) respectively. In addition, Pfizer have their European Financial and Shared Services (EFSS) centre base in Grand Canal, Dublin.

Into the future it will be very interesting to see how the company forges its future in Ireland.