Abbott says North Chicago facility not affected by layoffs

Abbott Laboratories confirmed Tuesday that an unspecified number of layoffs have been taking place as the news buzzed across pharmaceutical message boards online.

“They almost entirely relate to previously announced actions,” said Scott Stoffel. “We're not providing additional detail.”

Last October, Abbott announced it would cut about 550 jobs globally — including about 100 from its headquarters in Libertyville Township and a Des Plaines office — while “several hundred” more layoffs were expected in 2013.

The cuts were targeted for the commercial and manufacturing areas, a spokeswoman had said at the time.

A spokeswoman last October declined to specify the location of the cuts from either round. But she had added that its North Chicago facility was not affected.

Laid-off workers are expected to receive severance packages and outplacement services, including opportunities to apply for other open positions within the company.

The company has about 70,000 workers worldwide. The number in northern Illinois wasn't immediately available, Stoffel said.