Story on Allergan’s Irvine Operations

In reference to the article in the Orange County Business section (Jan. 25) about Allergan Inc., I would like to clear up some misunderstandings.

The headline, “Allergan, Reporting Loss, Will Close Irvine Plant” was misleading in that it may have implied the company was closing down its Irvine operations.

We employ over 2,000 people at our international headquarters in Irvine, which includes office, research, development and manufacturing operations.

The first paragraph indicated that as a result of a fourth-quarter loss, Allergan would shut down a manufacturing plant here. In fact, the two items were unrelated. In July, 1988, Allergan announced that it would relocate some of its manufacturing operations to Waco, Tex. And, while approximately 200 jobs would be cut in Irvine over the subsequent two to three years, over 300 new jobs would be created in Waco. This process is still under way.

This week (Jan. 24) Allergan announced, in an effort to reduce expenses, that it would cut some 300 positions worldwide. There will actually be 29 layoffs at the Irvine facility.

Our commitment to retain and expand our corporate headquarters in Irvine remains strong. We are working with the city of Irvine to ensure the long-term development of our headquarters site with the addition of approximately 435,000 square feet of office and research and development space over the next 10 years.

NORRIS BATTIN

Senior vice president

Public Affairs and Communications

Allergan Inc.