Allergan to shed 25 jobs in westport

THE management of Allergan Pharmaceuticals has issued a statement to explain imminent job losses at its plant in Westport.

Released by Dublin-based public relations firm, Murray Consultants, it stated: “In light of the global restructuring announced in July by Allergan Inc., the management in Ireland has confirmed that the overall headcount impact for the Irish business will be limited. Approximately 25 permanent positions will potentially be impacted at the Westport site. The consultation process has started with impacted employees.

“The global restructuring announcement announced in July is designed to deliver strong future growth at Allergan. This expected growth in core product areas such as biologics (BOTOX®) will ensure that Ireland will continue to be a strategic location in the Allergan network.”

The company announced a €300 million expansion of its Westport facility in 2012. This expansion is on track, with the building phase close to completion and validation work commencing.

Last July, the company revealed its intentions to cut 1,500 jobs as part of a €430 million restructuring to boost profits over the next six years. Allergan said the cost reductions, which are part of its efforts to convince investors that it is a better value as a stand-alone company, would help it deliver annual earnings growth of more than 20 per cent between 2014 and 2019.