Title: Pfizer’s Rocky Mount Facility in North Carolina Damaged by Tornado
Date: July 19, 2023
By: Sriparna Roy, Reporting from Bengaluru; Edited by Shailesh Kuber
Drugmaker Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) announced on Wednesday that its plant in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, which is one of the largest sterile injectable product facilities in the world, has suffered heavy damage from a tornado.
Images captured after the tornado passed the area showed the roof of the Pfizer facility in Rocky Mount extensively damaged. ABC Affiliate WTVD shared the pictures via REUTERS.
A spokesperson for the company confirmed in an emailed statement that the Rocky Mount facility indeed sustained damage due to the tornado. The drugmaker is currently assessing the situation to determine the impact on production.
Fortunately, all employees present at the site were able to evacuate and are safe, the statement added.
The Rocky Mount facility is responsible for nearly 30% of all sterile injectables used in U.S. hospitals and is also known for the manufacturing of a variety of other products including anti-infectives, neuromuscular blockers, vials, and syringes.
According to Pfizer’s website, the Rocky Mount facility employs over 4,500 professionals, making it a vital part of the local economy and a major contributor to pharmaceutical production.
Pfizer has not disclosed the extent of the damage or the timeline for restoring operations. The company’s primary concern currently remains the safety and wellbeing of its employees and evaluating the impact on the supply chain.
The drugmaker will be working closely with local authorities, experts, and insurance providers to assess the damages and develop a recovery plan.
As one of the leading pharmaceutical companies globally, Pfizer plays a crucial role in providing essential medications and medical supplies to healthcare facilities. It is expected that the disruption caused by the tornado may have ramifications on the distribution of Pfizer’s products.
Pfizer has expressed its commitment to support the affected employees during this challenging time and to work towards restoring operations as soon as possible.
The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles guide our reporting and uphold the highest standards of accuracy and integrity.
—
Note: This article is based on the information provided at the time of writing. Further updates may provide additional details or any changes to the situation.