UCB to cut workforce in bid to become biopharma leader

Published: 19-Nov-2009

Belgian pharmaceutical group UCB plans to cut around 2% of its workforce in a restructure at its plants in Belgium and the UK.


Belgian pharmaceutical group UCB plans to cut around 2% of its workforce in a restructure at its plants in Belgium and the UK.

The company says it has informed employees and their representatives at Braine-l"Alleud (Belgium) and Slough (UK) that 174 jobs could be lost at Braine-l'Alleud and 44 in Slough.

UCB said it was adapting its NewMedicines research division at these two "key strategic sites" and also streamlining manufacturing support services, industrial development and some administrative functions at Braine-l"Alleud in order to become a leading player in biopharmaceuticals.

Operations in the two countries will focus on the fields of central nervous system and immunology disorders as UCB broadens its biotechnological capability in line with new product and pipeline requirements.

"The project also takes into account the need to invest in newly launched products while maintaining profitability following patent expiries," the company said.

In parallel, a series of new functions could also be created to meet new biopharma profiles and allow UCB to pursue its transformation.

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