Vaccine maker Sanofi Pasteur has abandoned its plans to set up operations in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, which is northwest of Philadelphia. The French company had been looking to the area to relieve overcrowding at its Swiftwater, PA vaccine plant. There are currently 600 workers at that location using temporary office facilities; the company was searching for additional offices for about 200 clerical workers. The decision was made despite the township's offer to give Sanofi state and local tax breaks until 2020.
"Sanofi Pasteur has been exploring a number of options regarding office space utilization--one option located in the Lehigh Valley," said Ellyn Schindler, Sanofi's director of community relations. "After careful consideration, Sanofi Pasteur has decided to explore office space solutions at its current site and within closer proximity to its Swiftwater campus."