Media Coverage
Pfizer Workers Fear Glut
Summary of article reported in the Ann Arbor News, February 1, 2007 – Pfizer’s surprising decision to shut down its Ann Arbor research and development facility is causing quite a stir in Michigan’s seventh largest city. Pfizer’s January 22, 2007, announcement means the loss of the city’s biggest business taxpayer and approximately 2,100 jobs.
According to Pfizer, this decision had nothing to do with the site’s productivity. An unidentified Pfizer employee adds that the pharmaceutical giant’s move to close the site was based on “business considerations.” Pfizer is expected to offer transfers to a vast majority of the site’s employees, which has local realtors and homeowners worried.
Stanton Chase Austin’s David Harap, Global Practice Leader for Life Sciences and Healthcare, notes that realtors aren’t the only ones who should be worried, as rival pharmaceutical companies will most likely view this as a prime opportunity to attract Pfizer’s top scientists.
“I can guarantee they (other pharmaceutical companies) will have identified a couple of very strong researchers to bring on board and that those discussions have already started,” says David. “…Everyone is up to speed on the superstars within the (research and development) world.”
Davis also points out that this won’t necessarily lead top researchers to seek greener pastures. He is confident that Pfizer will do whatever it takes to ensure their best and brightest have career opportunities within the organization.
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