Janssen shuts Swiss plant after vaccine failure, shifts production to Netherlands

A vaccine flop triggers a plant closure, leaving 300 workers in limbo. Why is Janssen betting its future on the Netherlands instead?

, and Administrator

2026 January 1 . 5:19 AM

1 min read

In this image we can see syringes on the ground, there is a needle to one of the syringe.

Janssen shuts Swiss plant after vaccine failure, shifts production to Netherlands

Janssen, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, will close its plant in Bern-Bümpliz by the end of 2026. The decision affects around 300 employees and follows the failure of a new E. coli vaccine to meet expectations. Production of lentiviral vectors for cell therapies will also move to the Netherlands.

The closure comes after a recent setback in vaccine development. A new E. coli vaccine did not show the required effectiveness, leading to the shutdown. Janssen confirmed that no third party will take over the Bern site.

Production of lentiviral vectors (LVV) for cell therapies, currently based in Bern, will be transferred to the Netherlands. The company has outlined a phased shutdown, with operations winding down gradually over the next two years.

A social plan has been agreed with employee representatives. It includes severance pay, extended notice periods, child allowances, and outplacement support. These measures aim to ease the transition for the 300 workers losing their jobs.

The Bern-Bümpliz site will fully close by late 2026. All affected staff will receive financial and career support under the negotiated agreement. Meanwhile, Janssen’s lentiviral vector production will continue in the Netherlands.