Pfizer Catania plant faces potential takeover by three pharmaceutical firms

The Italian Ministry of Labour has extended the deadline for the industrial procedure regarding the Pfizer plant in Catania to December 9. This extension, requested by major trade unions including Filctem Cgil, Femca Cisl, Uiltec Uil, and Ugl, provides additional time to evaluate industrial plans and manage employment impacts.

Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, announced that three international pharmaceutical companies have expressed interest in the site. The government aims to identify a path that revalues the facility and its workforce while ensuring production continues uninterrupted during the transition. The Ministry will oversee discussions with these potential investors to determine if their proposals can lead to a concrete relaunch of the plant.

The current situation involves potential layoffs for 330 out of the 540 employees at the site. To mitigate this, a negotiated plan includes options such as suspensions, incentives for those eligible for retirement, and both internal and external relocation. The extended timeline allows the Ministry of Enterprises and the Ministry of Labour to assess the industrial plans presented by the interested companies before finalizing a reindustrialization strategy by December.