Singapore: Pfizer will make a phased exit of its West Ryde plant in Australia, which produces tablets and capsules for both humans and animals, by 2015. This will lead to 140 staff losing their jobs. However, Pfizer's other Australian plant in Perth will stay open. Pfizer Australia presently employs more than 1600 people.

Mr Justin Mathie, director, manufacturing operations, Pfizer, said that, "This has been a difficult decision, and reflects the need to align our global manufacturing capacity with the needs of our business,"

He further added, "Our focus in the months ahead will be on those colleagues impacted by this decision, as well as ensuring we continue to make Pfizer medicines available to Australian patients."

Mr Mathie also said that the pharmaceutical industry is trending away from high-volume medicines towards those of higher value that target a specific patient population or disease condition. "This requires more flexible manufacturing facilities and a different overall approach to manufacturing," he said.