Merck to Close Pennsylvania Manufacturing Site, Laying Off 163 Employees

Pharmaceutical giant Merck is set to shutter its Cherokee manufacturing plant in Riverside, Pennsylvania, as part of a multi-year plan to wind down operations at the facility. The closure will result in 163 job cuts, implemented through three rounds of layoffs extending into 2026.

Layoff Timeline and Site Closure

The first round of layoffs is scheduled for May 2025, followed by a second round in late June through July of the same year. The final round of job cuts is slated for "sometime in 2026," coinciding with the permanent closure of the site. Merck has confirmed that production at the facility has already ceased.

A company spokesperson stated, "Separations related to this closure will begin in May 2025, and we are committed to assisting and supporting employees at the site through this transition and providing separation benefits."

Historical Context and Local Impact

The Cherokee plant has been a significant presence in the area for decades. Merck's involvement dates back to before 2008 when it sold the facility to a contract manufacturer, only to repurchase it in 2010. Prior to the 2008 sale, Merck had operated the site for 58 years.

The closure will have a notable impact on local employment. As recently as last year, the plant employed 300 people, making it one of the largest employers in the area, according to reports from the local newspaper The Daily Item.

Merck's Ongoing Commitment to Pennsylvania

Despite the closure of the Riverside facility, Merck maintains a substantial presence in Pennsylvania. The company employs approximately 14,000 people across the state and has invested over $3 billion in its Pennsylvania manufacturing operations to date.

A Merck representative emphasized the company's continued commitment to the state, highlighting these significant investments and employment figures.