Biontech to close three locations: 1,800 jobs affected
The German biotechnology company Biontech has announced a drastic restructuring. As the company stated, three locations will be closed. A total of around 1,800 employees are affected by this measure. The move is a reaction to the decreased demand for COVID-19 vaccines, which has fallen significantly since the pandemic.
The closures primarily affect production facilities that were set up during the height of the pandemic for the manufacture of the vaccine. In the future, Biontech intends to focus more strongly on the development of new cancer therapies. The company is investing heavily in research to find drugs to treat various types of tumors.
For the affected employees, the news is a heavy blow. However, Biontech emphasizes that it is looking for socially responsible solutions. In the coming months, discussions are to be held with employee representatives to negotiate severance packages or possible transfers to other locations.
This development is also significant for the Swiss pharmaceutical sector, as Biontech is a major player in the global market. The industry is closely monitoring how the company's strategy will affect competition and research in Europe. Despite the current cuts, Biontech remains one of the leading companies in the field of mRNA technology.