Statement of CT Officials on Announced Closing of Bayer Pharmaceuticals
October 9, 2006

WEST HAVEN, Conn. - Connecticut Senators Christopher Dodd and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3), Governor M. Jodi Rell and West Haven Mayor John M. Picard today issued the following statement on the closing of Bayer Pharmaceuticals North America.  Approximately 800 jobs-600 research and development jobs and 200 administrative and marketing jobs-at the West Haven facility will be affected by this closure.  


"We are all extremely disappointed by this announcement today.  Bayer's North American pharmaceutical sales have increased substantially in the first half of 2006 and the company experienced record profits last year.  This performance was driven primarily by the growing pharmaceuticals business - efforts that have been led by the experienced researchers based here in Connecticut.  These workers have been integral to this company's success.


"The company now has an obligation to provide a generous severance package to its employees, including wages, health care, employment placement and counseling.  Anything less would be unreasonable.  We also expect that the company will work with the State of Connecticut and the City of West Haven to minimize the economic impact on the State, the City and its residents.  Both have been generous hosts to Bayer's facility for nearly 30 years.


"In an effort to keep Bayer in the State, the governor and other state officials offered a financial assistance package of approximately $60 million as incentive to maintain the research and development operations here in Connecticut.  This assistance would have required the company to retain the current workforce and create an additional 800 jobs, as well as make significant capital investments at the West Haven site.  Despite the best efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, the company decided to close the West Haven facility.


"We intend to work aggressively to ensure these workers are treated fairly."

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