Roche to shutter 4 sites to address shift to new generation of medicines

Swiss pharma giant Roche (ROG: SIX) says it will restructure its manufacturing network for small molecules to address current underutilization as a result of its evolving portfolio, possibly affecting around 1,200 jobs (about 1.4% of its global workforce.

The company explained that a new generation of specialized medicines based on small molecules requires novel manufacturing technologies and will be produced in lower volumes than traditional medicines.

As a result, Roche plans to exit four manufacturing sites in Clarecastle, Ireland; Leganes, Spain; Segrate, Italy; and Florence, USA. In an effort to minimize job reductions, the company is actively looking into divestment opportunities for these facilities.