Galenica plans to end pharma production at Bichsel unit, up to 170 jobs affected

Galenica AG

24/02/2026 07:59

ZURICH, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Swiss healthcare company Galenica GALE.S said on Tuesday it plans to end pharmaceutical production at its Interlaken-based unit Bichsel by the end of 2026 in a move expected to affect up to 170 jobs.

The move was due to competitiveness issues and Bichsel will instead focus on home care services, Galenica said.

KEY DETAILS

Galenica said it examined various scenarios for production at the unit, including building new facilities.

None of the scenarios could enable production to be operated sustainably in the long term.

Due to the condition of the plant, sale is not possible.

A final decision on the closure and the number of affected positions will depend on the outcome of a consultation process due to be completed in mid-March 2026.

If Bichsel's production division closes, Galenica expects one-off special costs of 35–40 million Swiss francs which will arise in particular in the first half of 2026

 (Writing by Dave Graham, Editing by Linda Pasquini)

 ((dave.graham@thomsonreuters.com; Reuters Messaging: dave.graham.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net/))