Janssen, a pharmaceutical company, is closing its Bern facility, resulting in the loss of approximately 500 jobs. The decision marks the end of vaccine development and production at the site, which has a history spanning over 125 years.
Key Takeaways
- Janssen is shutting down its operations in Bern.
- Around 500 employees, including over 300 permanent staff and 200 temporary workers, will lose their jobs.
- The closure follows setbacks in vaccine research and the discontinuation of lentiviral vector production.
- Remaining activities will move to the Netherlands by the end of 2026.
- The decision has prompted concern regarding Switzerland's vaccine production capabilities.
Bern Facility Faces Complete Shutdown
The Janssen plant in Bern-Bümpliz will cease all operations. This move affects a significant portion of its workforce. Over 300 permanent employees and approximately 200 temporary staff members are impacted by this closure.
Many of these employees have dedicated decades of service to the facility. The news has caused considerable shock and disappointment among the staff.
Quick Fact
The Janssen facility in Bern has a history of over 125 years in pharmaceutical production and research.
Research Setbacks and Production Changes
The decision to close the Bern site comes after a series of challenges. A key factor was a significant setback in the company's research efforts. A new vaccine designed to combat E. coli bacteria did not perform as expected in clinical trials.
Simultaneously, the production of lentiviral vectors, a crucial component in some advanced therapies, has ended at the Bern site. These combined factors led to a re-evaluation of the Bern operations.
"The mood is bad, many are shocked," an employee stated, highlighting the profound impact on long-serving staff members, some with 25 years of service.
Relocation to the Netherlands
Janssen, a subsidiary of the US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, is consolidating its vaccine development and production activities. The remaining functions from Bern will be transferred to a new, larger facility being established in the Netherlands.
This transition is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. The shift represents a strategic move for the company, centralizing its operations in a new European hub.
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Janssen's Bern site was considered a vital contributor to vaccine efforts. This history makes the current closure particularly poignant for the region and the broader pharmaceutical landscape.
Impact on Swiss Vaccine Competence
The closure of the Janssen facility raises questions about Switzerland's long-term capabilities in vaccine production. Following the pandemic, there were strong calls to strengthen the country's competence in this critical area.
The Federal Office of Public Health has expressed regret over Janssen's decision. However, it maintains that the national strategy for securing vaccine competence remains unaffected. The government acknowledges the importance of domestic pharmaceutical capabilities.
Previous Consultations and Concerns
The recent announcement follows earlier indications of trouble. Last summer, Janssen initiated a consultation process at its Bern-Bümpliz plant. At that time, up to 300 positions were at risk.
This initial phase allowed for discussions with employees and stakeholders. Ultimately, those consultations led to the definitive decision to close the entire Bern operation, expanding the scope of job losses to 500.
- The E. coli vaccine research failure was a key trigger.
- Production of lentiviral vectors ceased.
- The company is centralizing operations in a new Dutch facility.
The closure represents a significant shift for the pharmaceutical industry in Bern. It underscores the dynamic nature of drug research and manufacturing, where strategic decisions can have profound local economic and social consequences.