Layoffs Coming For Suburban Gene Therapy Manufacturing Facility

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Bristol Myers Squibb plans to layoff 133 employees from its gene-therapy manufacturing facility in Libertyville, state officials announced this past month.

Crain's Chicago Business reports Bristol Myers Squibb will close the facility, located on Innovation Way in Libertyville, and move operations to Devens, Mass. The consolidation will save the company $2 billion.

“Unfortunately, this means we’ve made the difficult decision to cease vector manufacturing in Libertyville, a site that has operated at the highest level for BMS Cell Therapy,” a company spokeswoman said earlier his month.

Bristol Squibbs purchased the site two years ago. Prior to that, the facility was used by Novartis to manufacture the gene therapy Zolgensma, according to a news release.

Layoffs at the Libertyville facility will begin July 1, accusing to a state WARN report.