Novartis to out-source key functions

The Basel-based pharmaceutical giant, Novartis, is to out-source the management and maintenance of its infrastructure. Under the deal, confirmed on Thursday, 1,200 Novartis employees will be transferred to the sub-contracting companies.

From January, the Swiss firm, Johnson Controls, and Valorac – a subsidiary of the French company, Vivendi – will take over the running of Novartis’ infrastructure.

Johnson will be responsible for “technical services” and “facility management” in all of Novartis’ premises, including offices, laboratories and production plants. Around 900 Novartis employees will be transferred on to Novartis’ payroll.

A further 300 employees will work for Valorac, which will look after energy supplies and waste disposal.

The move will affect all of Novartis’ premises in Basel, including Klybeck, Rosental, St Johann and Schweizerhalle.

swissinfo with agencies