Pfizer resumes 'majority' of operations after NC tornado in Rocky Mount
Pfizer announced Monday most operations have resumed at its Rocky Mount plant more than two months after a tornado damaged a main building at the site.
A powerful EF3 tornado touched down near Rocky Mount on July 19, damaging the main storage warehouse at Pfizer's pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at 4285 N. Wesleyan Blvd.
The tornado damaged Pfizer's large HiRise warehouse and approximately 40,000 pallets of packaging supplies and finished medicines. More than 100 vehicles and storage trucks were also damaged at the plant.
On Monday Pfizer said production of approximately 13 medicines has restarted. The restart prioritized medicines based on patients' needs, inventory levels and those designated for emergency use.
A Pfizer statement read: "While manufacturing has resumed, it is important to note that some medicines may not be back in full supply until next year ... The impact of the tornado on the site is expected to affect the supply of medicines from the Rocky Mount facility until at least mid-2024."
The nearly 50 medicines made in Rocky Mount make up about 25% of Pfizer injectables used in U.S. hospitals, or about 8% of the U.S. hospital supply.
Pfizer is currently storing packaging components in a temporary warehouse replacing the building damaged in the tornado. It will be the end of 2023 before the plant fully reopens, Pfizer said.
A statement read: "This expedited restart is a proud achievement for the Rocky Mount team; however, it is only the first step toward full recovery for the plant as Pfizer restarts production through a phased approach."
The plant also announced a new sterile injectable manufacturing area approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The plant is one of Nash County's largest employers, employing more than 3,200 people. All Pfizer employees were accounted for after the tornado.
Earlier this year, CEO Albert Bourla announced that Pfizer will continue to pay all of its employees while repairs are being made.
How you can help
Anyone who would like to help can make a donation to the Twin County Tornado Disaster Relief Fund. Every dollar raised will go to help the people who have been affected by the tornado.
Related content
- All July 19, 2023 tornado coverage
- Sky 5: Parts of Pfizer plant flattened in Rocky Mount
- NC tornado update: Pfizer CEO talks about recovery efforts, FDA says its working to prevent drug shortage
- Man who took video of tornado at Pfizer speaks to WRAL News
- Photos: Close-up of destruction at Pfizer plant, homes in Nash County
