Shire plc plans to relocate more than 500 positions from its Chesterbrook, PA site to Lexington, MA, which will now serve as the company’s U.S. operational headquarters. The shift will occur in several phases beginning in 1Q15 with a targeted completion in 1Q16.  
 
The transition is part of the company’s ‘One Shire’ efficiency program aimed at streamlining business globally through two principal locations, MA and Switzerland, with support from a limited number of regional offices around the world.
 
Shire expects to save $25 million annually beginning in 2016. This site strategy also aims to align priorities between the commercial and R&D teams, as well as strengthen collaboration and cross-development of employees.  
 
“Chesterbrook, the greater Philadelphia area, and the talent of our employees based there have been instrumental to Shire’s growth and evolution,” said Flemming Ornskov, M.D., chief executive officer. “We’ve made the decision to consolidate our U.S. operations in the Massachusetts area to streamline operations and drive further efficiencies in the way we run our business and serve patients. Shire has a great opportunity to combine our Chesterbrook and Lexington talent with the leading biotech resources in the Massachusetts area, and we consider ready access to these resources an important element in the future growth of our company.”