Pfizer Laysoff 10,000 - Michigan Hit Hard - Again!

Pfizer Laysoff 10,000 - Michigan Hit Hard - Again!
By Dave Hinz - Publisher
1/23/2006

Pfizer Announces Layoffs - Deals Blow to Michigan Economy

The announcement Monday by Pfizer, Inc that it intends to lay off more than 10,000 employees nationwide, and close its massive research facility in Ann Arbor, deals a brutal blow to the Michigan economy struggling to rebound. The Ann Arbor complex employs 2100 people, while another 300 or more employees from the Kalamazoo area are expected to get the axe.

The Pfizer Research Center adjacent to the University of Michigan North Campus has been under construction for the past several years, as the company has expanded the facility. The decision to close a facility under expansion has shocked both the community and the employees.

"There were rumors about cutbacks, but there was no one who had a clue that they would shut this plant down," said Scott Vasbinder, a resident of nearby Jackson.

The announcement appeared to take state officials completely by surprise as well. "I don't think there is any sugarcoating, this is a very tough blow to a state that is already reeling from the contraction of the automotive industry and globalization," Gov. Jennifer Granholm said during a news conference in Ann Arbor.

David Canter, senior vice president of Pfizer Global Research and Development, explained that layoffs would begin within six months, with all changes to be made by the end of 2008.

Canter indicated that as many as 1000 of the displaced employees might be offered jobs elsewhere with the company.

The governor has stated that she will lead a drive to find jobs within the community for the laid-off workers, to help them stay within the local community. Since Michigan already leads the nation with a 7.1 percent unemployment figure, it seems unlikely that many will find employment locally.