BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) -- Layoffs and restructurings are taking a toll on drug and medical technology companies in New Jersey, one of the state's most important industries.
A survey released Monday shows that employment fell 1 percent in 2007 from a year earlier among the 22 members of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey. The total New Jersey payroll rose 1.3 percent to $7.7 billion.
The statewide economic impact rose 3.8 percent to $27 billion last year.
The survey found that members of the group increased spending on research and development by 5.3 percent, to $7.9 billion. Members say they are working on 900 possible new products and over 50 new drugs.
Members include Merck & Co. Inc. and Johnson & Johnson.
