Viatris Little Island

Viatris to Bid Farewell to Cork: 200 Jobs Hanging in the Balance!

Viatris reveals plans to close its Cork manufacturing plant by 2028, impacting 200 jobs. Don’t worry though, it won’t be an immediate exit!

In a significant restructuring move, pharmaceutical giant Viatris has announced its decision to close its manufacturing plant located in Little Island, Cork, impacting around 200 employees. This closure is part of a large-scale strategy that the company feels is necessary for its future operations. While the news may seem grim, there’s a silver lining for employees as the redundancy process won’t commence until mid-June 2028. This gives workers some breathing room as they strategize their next steps.

The Cork facility has been a part of Viatris since its establishment, after the merger of Mylan and a division of Pfizer. Interestingly, the Cork plant was sold to Viatris shortly after it began operations, exemplifying the fast-paced changes within the pharmaceutical landscape. As the company begins to wind down operations, there’s a notable focus on the well-being of the staff. The Tánaiste has expressed that the government’s top priority remains with the workers affected by this decision, promising to offer support during this transition.

Although this announcement impacts a significant number of jobs, Viatris has reassured that the bulk of staff will remain employed until the final closure in December 2028. This approach is designed to provide employees with ample time to explore new opportunities or consider potential retraining programs that may arise. The pharmaceutical world is known for its unpredictability, and changes like these often spur innovation and new business ventures as leftover talent seeks new pathways.

As the clock ticks down to 2028, the Little Island plant is set to enter its final chapter. Viatris's decision comes at a time when the industry is rapidly evolving to adapt to new technologies and market demands. Fun fact: Viatris was formed from a merger between Mylan and former Pfizer divisions, illustrating how dynamic the pharmaceutical sector can be. And did you know that Cork is home to over 70 life sciences companies? This news may be bittersweet, but it’s also a reminder of the endless opportunities that await in one of Ireland’s most vibrant industries.

Here's to the resilience of Cork workers - may this chapter close gracefully and open doors to new adventures!