CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State senator Mike Caputo introduced Senate Resolution 22 on the floor today asking the governor to work with the state congressional delegation to repurpose the former Mylan Morgantown facility and save jobs.
“Asks our governor to get with our congressional delegation and have a good sit down with the President of the United States,” Caputo said,” And talk about invoking the Defense Production Act at Mylan Pharmaceuticals.”
On December 11, the merger between Mylan and Upjohn was completed to form the company called Viatris. During the same announcement Viatris officials announced the permanent closure of the oral solid dose manufacturing facility in Morgantown. The plant has operated there since 1965 and if it is closed in July of 2021 as planned about 1,500 jobs will be lost.
According to Caputo, the plant capacity and workers could help in COVID response.
“I know in my heart these workers at this facility can step up to the plate,” Caputo said,” They can handle it and they help put this pandemic behind the world.”
Mylan Pharmaceuticals was founded as a drug distributor in 1961 by Milan Pskar and Don Panoz. By 1966, the company was manufacturing penicillin and other supplements. In February of 1973 Mylan Pharmaceuticals became a publicly traded company. By 1980, the company began to market their own products exclusively.
Senator Bob Beach and Mon County resident also spoke in support of the resolution.
“It’s unfortunate that this is the demise of a homegrown company, right here in West Virginia,” Beach said.
For now, the plant is scheduled to close July 31, 2021.
“It’s a tough situation Mr. President, not only for the economy of North Central West Virginia, but it’s a tough situation for 1,500 West Virginia families.”
The Senate passed the concurrent resolution unanimously.