The rush has begun to snatch up Pfizer workers who will lose their jobs as the drug maker closes its doors in Ann Arbor by the end of 2008.
In the wake of Pfizer's announcement Monday, numerous companies already are trying to recruit Pfizer employees for openings. And MichBio, Michigan's trade association for the life sciences, said Wednesday it would serve as a clearinghouse for Pfizer workers seeking jobs or ventures.
The goal is not only to offer jobs to the soon-to-be unemployed, but also to offer options that keep Pfizer employees here -- even those offered jobs elsewhere in the company. Pfizer employs 2,100 people in Ann Arbor and another 60 in Plymouth Township. The company hopes to relocate about 70 percent of those workers.
Pfizer spokesman Rick Chambers said the company will be "actively recruiting colleagues" to stay with Pfizer, and will give them information about other sites, other communities and job opportunities. "We have wonderfully talented people in Ann Arbor, and we want to keep as many as possible," he said.
Michigan officials and life sciences executives promise to fight to keep as many Pfizer workers in the state as possible.
John Wu, CEO and president of Troy-based Global Strategic Connections, is looking toward displaced Pfizer workers to fill up to five openings in his growing company. The international procurement company links U.S. life sciences companies with Chinese suppliers.
"One person's pain is another person's gain, right, as they say in life," he said.
Ann Arbor-based Sensicore, which makes instruments that measure water quality, has seven openings. "I certainly can't offer employment to all 2,100 employees," said Tom Zager, vice president of operations. But he would like to offer "an opportunity or two for these employees that are being displaced."
Many of the skills that Pfizer employees have will mesh with Sensicore's needs, he said, especially those with chemistry backgrounds.
Looking out for the best
"We're going to be looking out for some of the best people," said Bruce Markham, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Ann Arbor-based Phrixus Pharmaceuticals Inc. The company is developing a compound that seals the membranes of damaged cells.
A former Pfizer scientist himself, Markham said many former colleagues have called to ask him to keep them in mind for future jobs.
Generic drug manufacturer Caraco Pharmaceuticals has openings in various departments as it grows in Detroit's New Center neighborhood.
"It's an opportunity for us to take advantage of some of the talent that's available," said Craig Gross, who recruits for Caraco.
The folks at Ann Arbor-based MichBio have been fielding inquiries all week from Pfizer workers and companies that are hiring, executive director Stephen Rapundalo said. "We were just simply trying to respond to a demand," he said of MichBio's efforts to connect Pfizer workers with openings.
MichBio, universities, city and state officials and economic development groups will meet Monday in Ann Arbor to start work on an economic action plan for responding to the closure of the Pfizer facility.
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