Pharmaceuticals Galenica subsidiary closes production in Interlaken
The healthcare group Galenica is closing the Bichsel pharmaceutical production facility in Interlaken by the end of 2026 at the latest. Up to 170 jobs will be affected.
24.02.2026, 07:26
24.02.2026, 08:00
SDA
The reason for the move is a lack of competitiveness, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. Various measures to increase profitability have not had a sufficient impact in recent years. Bichsel has been part of the Galenica network since 2019.
In future, Bichsel will focus entirely on home care services. The subsidiary already looks after patients in their homes on behalf of Spitex organizations and care facilities.
There are also changes at the pharmacy in Interlaken: The "Grosse Apotheke Dr. G. Bichsel" will be renamed "Amavita Apotheke Bichsel Interlaken" as of 1 March 2026.
Consultation process launched
A consultation process has been initiated. If redundancies are unavoidable, a social plan will be applied. In addition, options for continued employment within the Galenica network will be examined.
The consultation process is expected to be completed by mid-March 2026. The final decision on the closure and the definitive number of jobs affected will depend on the outcome of this process.
One-off costs of up to 40 million
According to Galenica, the closure of the production division is likely to result in one-off special costs of around CHF 35 to 40 million. Of this amount, CHF 17 to 19 million is expected to be attributable to write-downs on inventories, production and other property, plant and equipment.
Following the complete discontinuation of the business sector at the end of 2026, however, Galenica expects a sustainable improvement in the profit situation: the Group's adjusted operating profit will increase by around CHF 3 million per year as a result.
