The Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has announced plans to close its manufacturing facility in Wehr, Germany, by the end of 2028. This move is part of a multiyear overhaul aimed at phasing out traditional manufacturing technologies in favor of high-growth medical platforms.
Declining competitiveness of legacy drugs The Wehr facility, which has been in operation since 1943, focuses on older products in Novartis’ portfolio, specifically traditional solid oral dosage forms like tablets and capsules.
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Workforce impact: The closure is expected to eliminate approximately 220 jobs.
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Rationale: Novartis stated that the site is “no longer competitive.” The company assured that the shutdown will not disrupt the clinical supply of its medicines.
Redirecting investment to next-generation technologies Despite closing the legacy plant, Novartis remains committed to Germany by shifting its resources toward innovation:
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Halle, Germany: The firm is investing 35 million euros in a new production site specialized in radioligand therapies, slated to begin operations in 2027.
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Switzerland: A similar transition is underway at the Stein site, where oral solid production is being phased out (affecting 550 jobs) to make room for an $80 million investment in siRNA therapy production at the Schweizerhalle facility.
Global expansion strategy While streamlining traditional European manufacturing, Novartis is aggressively expanding its U.S. presence. The company recently rounded out a $23 billion U.S. investment pledge with the construction of active pharmaceutical ingredient facilities and major manufacturing hubs in North Carolina, aimed at creating end-to-end production for all advanced technology platforms.
Source: https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/novartis-layoffs-germany-wehr-plant-closure-2028