Thriving in Pfizer's Global Production Network: Post COVID-19 Strategy for the Puurs (Belgium) Site
De Meyer, Arnoud Ferdows, Kasra Vereecke, Ann
De Meyer, Arnoud
Ferdows, Kasra
Vereecke, Ann
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Publication Year
2024
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Book
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17
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Abstract
The case describes the trajectory of Pfizer's plant in Puurs, Belgium, towards becoming a lead plant within Pfizer's international network. Additionally, it examines how the plant can maintain this position in the future. Having been the exclusive site outside the United States for producing the COVID-19 vaccine, the key question emerges: how should the plant evolve, and what additional capabilities should it cultivate to continue its leadership role? The case delves into the journey of the Belgian plant, navigating through the aftermath of mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring within Pfizer's global production network from 2000 to 2020. It chronicles the development of crucial capabilities that not only ensured the plant's continued existence, but also how it garnered the trust of senior management to undertake in 2020 the pivotal task of producing the COVID-19 vaccine, which it accomplished with phenomenal success. The case ends with Luc Van Steenwinkel, VP Operations and Site Leader, and his team wondering what the best strategy would be for the plant to sustain its successful trajectory. Should it prioritize increasing its scale or broadening its scope? Or could it do both?
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Keywords
Operational Excellence, International Operations, Lead Plant, COVID-19