Tangmere business will relocate to USA

Philips Respironics will close its Chichester Business Park site, having operated in the local area since 1977.

The facility, which has contributed to the fight against Covid-19, is expected to close by December 2021.

A breathing device first designed and produced at the Tangmere site nearly 30 years ago was re-engineered to help save lives during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here'Throughout 2021', the business' operations will be transferred to existing Philips sites based in the USA, which will impact 'approximately 50' respiratory drug delivery positions at the Tangmere facility.

Integrated Warehouse and Distribution activities, also currently at Tangmere, will also be impacted.

A Philips spokesperson said: "As part of Philips’ strategic roadmap to position for future innovation, and following earlier notifications in 2020, the company is announcing operational changes for our Tangmere, UK, facility, in advance of a projected lease expiration for the site at the end of this year.

"As a result of these changes, the activity transfer to our existing Philips Sleep & Respiratory Care headquarters site in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

"Additionally, it is proposed for approximately 20 warehouse positions to transition to a third party supplier. A review is currently underway."

Philips said it will continue to work closely with affected employees, to 'carefully manage' the transition and ensure 'appropriate assistance and resources' are available.

The spokesperson added: "The site operational transfer is being conducted by Philips under all applicable United Kingdom legal requirements and Philips has notified the appropriate government authorities.

"Philips has made this decision based on current global trends and customer needs. Philips is committed to the long-term success of our respiratory drug delivery business and we believe that consolidating operations will enhance customer service and accelerate innovation.

"Additionally, reducing our warehousing footprint will support efficient customer responsiveness."