MSD/Merck: Centralized Animal Health Headquarter in New Jersey, US

02-02-2012: MSD Animal Health, known as Merck Animal Health in the United States and Canada, announced that it intends to centralize certain functions at the existing Merck Campus in Summit, New Jersey, USA.

The plan, taken as part of the business’s worldwide strategic plan and blueprint for significant growth, will result in centralizing most Commercial, Marketing and Corporate Headquarter functions in Summit. This worldwide plan follows the announcement in March 2011 that the animal health business remains a core part of Merck, its renaming to MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health in the US and Canada) and an extensive evaluation of the business and its strategy including its geographical footprint.

The structures of the HQ and the specific units and individual positions it will comprise have been outlined in a plan. The plan is expected to have impact on a limited number of positions at amongst others MSD’s Animal Health site in Boxmeer (the Netherlands). In that respect a local proposed decision and its implications for the organization in The Netherlands – redundancies are estimated to be in the order of 65 - is now subject to Works Council consultation. The company is working closely with the Works Council to address questions and provide support wherever needed. Potentially affected employees have been informed.

The Boxmeer site will remain a pivotal part of the MSD Animal Health global business and strategy. The vital Biological R&D operation and a large and strong manufacturing organization will remain at Boxmeer, which is expected to continue to employ approximately 1700 employees.