By Dipo Olowookere
As part of its restructuring strategies, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc has announced Fidson Healthcare as its local manufacturing partner.
Earlier this month, the management of GSK Nigeria announced its intention to shut down the company’s factory in Agbara, Ogun State as part of its restructuring programme.
GSK Nigeria had disclosed that ahead of the closure expected in the third quarter of 2021, it would source for a “suitable third party local manufacturer” to handle some of its productions, stating that its board had approved a change in its supply chain model effective Q3 2021.
“Following an extensive review of its product supply operation, the Board of Directors has approved a restructuring of GSK’s current operating model to better serve the Nigerian patients and consumers.
“This restructuring, which would be effective in Q3 2021, involves working with local contract manufacturers for the supply of GSK’s products, where possible.
“This would support the building of local expertise, transfer of technical knowledge and improve local production capacities in the country,” the company had said.
On Friday, GSK Nigeria informed the investing public that it has settled for Fidson as its local manufacturing partner.
“Following the earlier announcement on the restructuring of its supply chain operating model, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria PLC wishes to announce the selection of Fidson Healthcare Plc as GSK’s preferred local contract manufacturing partner, as part of the changes in our Consumer Healthcare supply chain operating model.
“With this selection and subject to the meeting of appropriate regulatory requirements, GSK will be transitioning the manufacturing of its wellness and respiratory products in the first instance to Fidson from Q3, 2021.
“Until then it would be business as usual at the Agbara Factory as GSK continues to ensure supply continuity for all its locally manufactured brands.
“In choosing Fidson, GSK believes that the partnership would help build and sustain local expertise, technical knowledge and improve local production capacities.
“It is equally important to note that all changes communicated do not impact GSK’s broader commitments to Global Health in Nigeria and across Africa.
“Further note that notwithstanding this restructuring exercise, GSK Nigeria will continue to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE),” the company said.
