Pfizer invests more than 1.2 billion euros in Belgian site

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is to invest more than 1.2 billion euros in its Puurs site. The investment will be spread over three years and would be good for 250 jobs, the company announced on Friday.

The announcement of the investment was made in the presence of Flemish prime minister Jan Jambon (N-VA) and prime minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD). They emphasised the important role of data and know-how present in our country to attract large investments.

The focus will be on "innovative medicines", Pfizer reported. "It is the largest investment in the history of the site." Specifically, the investment will go towards expanding production capacity, increasing cold storage and expanding packaging processes.

"Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the site in Belgium only increased," says Mike McDermott, global manager for Pfizer's supply chain. "I am very pleased that with this new investment we continue to strengthen drug manufacturing."

Since the pandemic, the workforce in Puurs grew from 2,800 to 4,500 employees. "We produced one of the first COVID-19 vaccines," said Luc van Steenwinkel, Site Leader at Pfizer in Puurs. "This investment will also contribute to the fight against the pandemic."

^{#FlandersNewsService | Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Pfizer Chief Global Supply Officer and Executive Vice President, Mike McDermott , Flemish Minister President Jan Jambon and Site leader Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium Luc Van Steenwinkel pictured during a press conference in the presence of the federal and Flemish government at the Pfizer pharmaceutical plant in Puurs, Friday 02 December 2022. The Pfizer Puurs plant is responsible for the launch of new medicines and vaccines. © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}