AstraZeneca closes a series plants across Europe. Image Source: www.wral.com

AstraZeneca is planning to cut 1,400 jobs in Europe by 2013, as part of a program to improve productivity within its global logistics organization.

The London-based company said its plants in Porrino, Spain and Destelbergen, Belgium, will be closed, as well as its packaging plant in Umea, Sweden. Staff will also be reduced in Macclesfield, England, and Sodertalje, Sweden. These layoffs are in addition to the 7,600 positions to be eliminated by 2010 in a previously announced cost-savings plan.

The pharmaceutical giant said it will introduce a regional packaging strategy to adapt its business to the growth on its newer markets, and it will make further investments in its Wuxi plant in China to meet continuing demand in Asia and the Pacific region.

The guidance for restructuring costs in 2008 remains unchanged, AstraZeneca said, adding that it will give an update in connection with its full year report on Jan 29.

AstraZeneca employs 67,000 people globally.