hey now this is amazing news, looks like VERY big orders coming...

hey now this is amazing news, looks like VERY big orders coming if they are making their staff work on Chistmas Day!!! How many more plants are they bringing on stream for relenza production? Any comments Amex?

http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=315538
Glaxo staff working xmas day on anti-flu vaccine
Published on 24/12/2005

STAFF at a giant pharmaceutical factory will be working as usual on Christmas Day to gear up for production of a vital anti-flu vaccine.

Amid fears of a world-wide bird flu pandemic, some of the workforce at GlaxoSmithKline in Ulverston are set to pull out all the stops to ensure production of the drug Relenza can start in the new year.

Although none of the GSK staff concerned will actually be producing the anti-flu drug, they will be playing an important role preparing for its manufacture.

Around 20 workers will be involved in producing the anti-flu vaccine next year, including a dozen who have put off redundancy.

Steve Bowe, human resources manager at the Ulverston GSK site, said: “As in previous years, GSK Ulverston is allowing as many staff as possible to take holiday over the Christmasperiod, particularly on the bank holidays.

“However, up to four manufacturing areas will be working, but again staff required to attend work will be kept to an absolute minimum.

“Some engineering/commissioning work will be undertaken on the plant due to the manufacture of Relenza, to ensure manufacturing commences in early January as planned.”

The drug Relenza is normally made in other Glaxo plants in the UK and abroad.

But there has been a huge increase in demand by overseas orders for the drug from governments worried about a massive bird flu outbreak.