Minister confident of Pfizer plant buyouts

THE Government is confident buyers can be found for the two Pfizer plants which are scheduled to close under new consolidation plans announced by the company this week.

Up to 785 people are set to lose their jobs after the pharmaceutical giant announced a major restructuring of its manufacturing business.

Speaking on RTÉ radio yesterday morning, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe said the Government was hopeful buyers could be found for the two plants here. “The jobs are going to be lost over a phased basis right up to 2014. That gives the opportunity for the IDA, and they are already working on it in relation to the two plants that will be up for sale, to try and find some buyer who will be fit for purpose.