Thermo Fisher to lay off 43 in Milwaukee

Thermo Fisher Scientific announced it will partially close its Milwaukee site, eliminating 43 of 100 jobs at the facility.
The layoffs include positions in both product development and manufacturing, which will be relocated to other Thermo Fisher sites by August 2012.
“Our leadership team continuously evaluates our geographic footprint in an effort to increase efficiencies and improve our global competitive position,” said Ron O’Brien, a Thermo Fisher spokesman. “As part of this evaluation, the dynamics of current market conditions, including costs for energy, labor and raw materials, are assessed.”
Thermo Fisher is based in Waltham, Mass. and makes analytical instruments, equipment, reagents and software for the science industry. It reported 15 percent revenue growth in 2011.
The company will support the affected employees in every possible way, he said.
“Business decisions that result in the loss of jobs are always difficult,” O’Brien said. “However, these actions are designed to strengthen our operations, help us better serve our customers worldwide and provide continued growth opportunities for our 39,000 employees over the long term."