Pfizer speeds up Groton plant shutdown

CONNECTICUT Pfizer has reduced its manufacturing work force in Groton over the past few months to a small crew that will close the plant and has transferred all its projects to other global facilities.

The company had been planning to close the plant by the middle of this year, but spokeswoman Liz Power says the process was expedited late last year. About 80 people remain at the plant for shutdown duties.

Pfizer's main research and development operations locally are located across from the once-busy manufacturing plant.

At its height, Pfizer's manufacturing facilities employed thousands locally.