GE Healthcare makes UK cuts

GE Healthcare has announced that it will transfer most of its work operations from its headquarters in Amersham, England, to Chicago, US, within the next three years.

The move may see up to 150 manufacturing staff lose their jobs, although employees are currently being consulted over the relocation plans.

A spokesman for GE Healthcare said: “GE Healthcare confirms that it intends to transfer a portion of its manufacturing operations from its facility at The Grove Centre in Amersham to its facility at North Arlington Heights in Chicago.

“GE Healthcare is a global company and this action is being taken to structure our business more efficiently and ensure long-term growth.”

The spokesperson added that the company would work to minimise the amount of employees affected by the decisions and to support the employees throughout the transition period.

“These decisions are never easy. This action is not taken lightly and is in no way a reflection on the continued commitment and hard work of our employees, nor on our commitment to manufacturing in the UK. GE Healthcare regrets the loss of any job,” the spokesperson added.

The headquarters at Amersham became the first division of GE Healthcare to be managed outside the US when GE bought a local bioscience business called Amersham in 2003.

The company has since used the site to produce medical imaging equipment, drugs and patient monitoring instruments.