Pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer has announced that it is to close its research and development facility in Sandwich, Kent, with the loss of up to 2,400 jobs.
The site, first opened in 1957, will be cut as part of a 23.5% reduction in R&D spend in 2012. It is expected to close over the next 18 months to two years. Although some employees could be moved to other Pfizer sites, most will be made redundant.
Newly appointed Pfizer chief executive Ian Read said: “This is not a reflection on the U.K. operating environment or a quality of science in the U.K. Rather, it’s a business decision.”
The site was the original developer of Viagra, the world famous treatment for impotency.
