GSK Closes Stiefel Plant in Ireland
GlaxoSmithKline has announced it will close its Stiefel Laboratories plant in Sligo, Ireland, with the loss of 165 jobs, blaming declining demand. The closure will take place on a phased basis during the next three years, with decommissioning expected by the second half of 2021.
The company said demand for the products made at Sligo has not grown in line with previous expectations due to the highly competitive market, which has made its current business model unsustainable. GSK added that it had “thoroughly evaluated” a number of alternatives for the Sligo site but they were not feasible.
Stiefel makes dermatological products for eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin conditions at the facility, along with a range of formulations. GSK acquired Stiefel in July 2009 for $2.9 billion, and the Sligo plant has been threatened with closure at least twice during the past 10 years.
GSK’s other Irish manufacturing facilities, in Cork and Dungarvan, along with its commercial operations in Dublin, are not affected by the closure.
The Sligo announcement comes just after GSK said it would close its operations in Chittagong, Bangladesh, by the end of 2018 with the loss of about 1,000 staff.
