Product details

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Abstract

The case describes the trajectory of Pfizer's plant in Puurs, Belgium, towards becoming a lead plant within Pfizer's international network. Additionally, it examines how the plant can maintain this position in the future. Having been the exclusive site outside the United States for producing the COVID-19 vaccine, the key question emerges: how should the plant evolve, and what additional capabilities should it cultivate to continue its leadership role? The case delves into the journey of the Belgian plant, navigating through the aftermath of mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring within Pfizer's global production network from 2000 to 2020. It chronicles the development of crucial capabilities that not only ensured the plant's continued existence, but also how it garnered the trust of senior management to undertake in 2020 the pivotal task of producing the COVID-19 vaccine, which it accomplished with phenomenal success. The case ends with Luc Van Steenwinkel, VP Operations and Site Leader, and his team wondering what the best strategy would be for the plant to sustain its successful trajectory. Should it prioritize increasing its scale or broadening its scope? Or could it do both?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for postgraduate and executive education courses.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2021-2023.

Geographical setting

Region:
Europe
Country:
Belgium
Location:
Puurs

Featured company

Pfizer
Type:
Public company
Industry:
Biopharmaceutical company

Featured protagonist

  • Luc Van Steenkiste (male), Vice President Pfizer Biotech Operations and Pfizer Puurs Site Leader

About

Abstract

The case describes the trajectory of Pfizer's plant in Puurs, Belgium, towards becoming a lead plant within Pfizer's international network. Additionally, it examines how the plant can maintain this position in the future. Having been the exclusive site outside the United States for producing the COVID-19 vaccine, the key question emerges: how should the plant evolve, and what additional capabilities should it cultivate to continue its leadership role? The case delves into the journey of the Belgian plant, navigating through the aftermath of mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring within Pfizer's global production network from 2000 to 2020. It chronicles the development of crucial capabilities that not only ensured the plant's continued existence, but also how it garnered the trust of senior management to undertake in 2020 the pivotal task of producing the COVID-19 vaccine, which it accomplished with phenomenal success. The case ends with Luc Van Steenwinkel, VP Operations and Site Leader, and his team wondering what the best strategy would be for the plant to sustain its successful trajectory. Should it prioritize increasing its scale or broadening its scope? Or could it do both?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for postgraduate and executive education courses.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2021-2023.

Geographical setting

Region:
Europe
Country:
Belgium
Location:
Puurs

Featured company

Pfizer
Type:
Public company
Industry:
Biopharmaceutical company

Featured protagonist

  • Luc Van Steenkiste (male), Vice President Pfizer Biotech Operations and Pfizer Puurs Site Leader

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