Pfizer to close down Thane manufacturing plant

Pfizer Ltd, one of the leading pharmaceutical company, has decided to shut down its Thane manufacturing plant from September 2015. “The company has intimated the concerned authorities that it intends to effect closure of its plant situated at Thane-Belapur Road (Navi Mumbai) with effect from September 16, 2015,” said Pfizer Ltd in a BSE filing.
 
Manufacturing activity at the plant has been virtually stopped since 2013 due to the differences between Pfizer’s management and its workmen over raising workmen’s salaries and medical coverage.
 
“The decision to close the plant is based on an assessment of its long term viability and its ability to achieve the needed production. There has practically been no production activity at this plant since 2013, and the closure will not impact the supply of any of the Company's medicines to patients,” added Pfizer.
 
Besides Thane facility, which used to produce finished pharmaceutical products, Pfizer operates a facility in Goa. In addition, Pfizer engages number of third-party contract manufacturers in India for its production requirements.