Schering-Plough Corporation announced the elimination of approximately 1,100 positions as part of changes to its manufacturing operations in Puerto Rico and the United States. Schering-Plough will end manufacturing operations at its Manati, Puerto Rico site, with the expected discontinuation of operations there by the end of 2006. In addition, there will be workforce reductions at manufacturing facilities in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico and in New Jersey, the firm said in a news release. “The actions we are announcing today are another step in our action agenda to transform this company into a high-performance competitor for the long term,” said CEO Fred Hassan in a statement. “Undertaking these workforce reductions was a difficult decision. To support employees who are affected by these actions, we will be implementing a variety of programs as well as working closely with local authorities and communities to mitigate the impacts.” In all, approximately 600 regular full-time positions will be eliminated in Puerto Rico, including approximately 550 in Manati and 50 in Las Piedras. The company expects to continue to employ approximately 475 people in Las Piedras. Approximately 500 regular full-time positions will be eliminated in New Jersey between the Kenilworth and Union sites, Schering-Plough said.