Alexion To Close Smithfield Plant

SMITHFIELD, RI— Some 250 people will lose their jobs starting at the end of this year, when Alexion shuts down its manufacturing plant. According to Amanda Fahey, spokeswoman, the pharmaceuticals company is undergoing restructuring. Globally, Alexion plans to cut 20 percent of its workforce and move its corporate headquarters from New Haven to Boston.

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"We will be closing the site in a phased manner beginning at the end of 2017 and concluding, we expect, in June 2018," she said when asked for the timetable. "We recognize that these changes are difficult for our employees, and we will continue to work with Governor Raimondo and support employees during this transition." The employees will be eligible for severance, she said, and they will have Career Transition Services and help from the Employee Assistance Program.

Some of the Rhode Island manufacturing will be done at other U.S. sites and in Ireland, while some will be contracted out to Alexion's partners, she said.

"While our Rhode Island facility has been a key manufacturing site for supplying Soliris to our patients over the past 10 years, the facility is not optimally suited to accommodate our future pipeline, including ALXN1210," the company said. "As we prepare for these changes, we are ensuring that we are well-positioned to serve our patients globally with Soliris, Strensiq, Kanuma, and the potential launch of ALXN1210."