Janssen to Close Historic Swiss Vaccine Plant by 2026 After Trial Failures

A century-old hub for vaccine innovation faces its final chapter. Workers now brace for layoffs as Janssen shifts operations to the Netherlands.

, and Administrator

2026 January 1 . 7:25 AM

1 min read

In the image the land is covered with a lot of snow and there is a track and a vehicle is moving on... — In the image the land is covered with a lot of snow and there is a track and a vehicle is moving on the track,around the vehicle there are few poles and behind the poles, a collection of some objects are kept on the snow. In front of those objects there is a factory building.

Janssen to Close Historic Swiss Vaccine Plant by 2026 After Trial Failures

Janssen, a pharmaceutical company owned by Johnson & Johnson, will shut down its vaccine development and production plant in Switzerland. The closure follows disappointing results from a vaccine aimed at E. coli-related diseases. Operations at the historic Bern plant, which began as the Swiss Serum and Vaccine Institute in 1898, will end by late 2026.

The Janssen plant in Bern has been a key site for vaccine research and manufacturing. However, recent setbacks in vaccine trials have led to the decision to close the plant.

The shutdown will eliminate 500 jobs, including 300 permanent roles and 200 temporary positions. Remaining operations will move to the Netherlands. The Dutch employment authority, UWV, will oversee the dismissal process, ensuring affected workers receive transitional support and compensation.

By the end of 2026, the Bern facility will fully cease operations. The closure marks the end of a 125-year legacy in Swiss vaccine production. Employees will receive assistance through the UWV as they transition to new roles or relocation.