A NORTH-EAST pharmaceutical plant is to close with the loss of 450 jobs.
French-based Sanofi, which specialises in vaccine development and diabetes treatments, said the posts were going at its facility in Fawdon, Newcastle.
The company, which briefed staff about the decision this morning, said the plant would be closed in 2015.
The company blamed the move on the growing use of low-cost treatments and the European economic downturn.
A company statement said: "Under the proposal the plant, which makes solid dose oral medications mainly for UK and European markets, would be scheduled to close by mid-2015.
"The proposal is being considered in the context of an adverse economic climate and the challenging pharmaceutical market in Europe.
"The products manufactured at the Fawdon site have been adversely impacted by other factors, including generic competition, resulting in a fall in demand and production volumes."
Consultations have begun with staff.
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