Singapore: Custom manufacturing German firm, Evotec is closing its Chemistry Operations in Thane, India. All chemistry efforts will now be performed at its Abingdon (UK) facility to answer to an increasing requirement to operate closer to the principal R&D laboratories of the company's major customers.

All project work in Thane will be finished by the end of September, and 120 people will have to leave the company.

Dr Mario Polywka, Chief Operating Officer of Evotec, commented, "Evotec was due to relocate its Indian chemistry operations in June 2014. During the due diligence in finding a new facility and because of growing customer requirements for European-based activities we came to the conclusion to exit our operations in India completely."

"Through this realignment we will be able to most efficiently serve our customers, utilize our UK chemistry resources and capabilities and also realise some cost savings. Unfortunately, the impact is that we must say goodbye to a first-class work force in Thane, that has so ably supported our customers over the last four years. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to these employees and wish them all the best for the future," he added.