Pharmaceutical manufacturer, Pfizer has reversed its decision to close its manufacturing facility at Little Island in Cork, saving 160 jobs.
The company had announced plans to close the plant in May 2013 - it planned to stop using it by August 2014, moving the remaining production operations to Cork's Ringaskiddy facility.
The move was put on hold after demand increased for the cholesterol-lowering medication Atorvastatin. Pfizer now says the improved demand for the product means that the company will continue to operate in Little Island for the foreseeable future.
Vice President of Pfizer Ireland, Paul Duffy discussed the decision with Newstalk Lunchtime, he says that the company's Irish operations have worked hard to become more efficient, and to improve their competitiveness.
The company employs some 4,000 people in Ireland. Site leader at Little Island, Seamus Fives said the plant’s employees have showed the highest levels of performance, flexibility, and commitment.
