Create a free Manufacturing.net account to continue

McNeil Plans Production Changes, Layoffs

Cutting up to 340 jobs at Lititz, Pa., manufacturing and distribution facilities.

LITITZ, Pa. (AP) - Johnson & Johnson's McNeil-PPC subsidiary plans to make production changes and begin cutting up to 340 jobs starting in September at its Lititz manufacturing and distribution facilities.
 
The job cuts will be completed in about two years in an effort to improve efficiency and competitiveness, Sandy Pound, a McNeil spokesman, said Wednesday. The facilities currently employ about 800.
 
Among the changes, production of Lubriderm moisturizing lotion and manufacture of Listerine antiseptic products for export will be moved from Lititz to other J&J facilities, while production of Listerine Whitening Pre-Brush Rinse, Bengay and Desitin will be moved from Parsippany, N.J., to Lititz.
 
A workforce of 140 at the Lititz Logistics Center that formerly distributed Pfizer products to retail stores will be cut by more than half. Company officials said the changes follow a study of manufacturing and logistics operations since the Lititz operation was purchased from Pfizer in December.
 
''We believe it can compete effectively in our global supply chain organization,'' Michael Wittman, a McNeil vice president, said, but ''significant and difficult changes need to be implemented.''
More in Operations