Contract drugs firm Patheon’s Swindon manufacturing plant could be taken over after the Canadian group’s third-quarter losses widened to $3.2m (£2m) mainly due to rising costs.
The firm has just released its results and says it is fielding indications of interest for the Covingham plant, which makes sterile and high-potency products.
A spokesman for Patheon said: "As part of the strategic global footprint review, Patheon is considering strategic alternatives for the Swindon UK commercial business, and has received indications of interest for the site."
In addition, Patheon is in the process of transferring its Zug, Switzerland European headquarters operations to the company's continuing UK operations, and intends over time to consolidate its Burlington, Ontario lab facility into its Toronto operation.
Commenting on the new strategic plan implementation, James C. Mullen, Patheon's chief executive officer said: "The development of a comprehensive strategy to stimulate growth and increase profitability included a thorough review of our markets, our market position, and our prospects for the future.
"Our review confirms that we have built a leading position in our industry and that macro trends are working in our favor. But to capitalize on this position, it is clear that we must aggressively improve the performance of our core operations. This is being accomplished by a combination of our existing team and outside consulting support."
