Amgen cuts fewer jobs in R.I. than predicted

WEST GREENWICH, R.I. Despite last month?s reports that drug maker Amgen would lay off 450 employees from its Rhode Island staff, the number is proving to be lower, according to the Associated Press.

Instead, according to reports, Amgen cut 300 employees, after realizing that it needed more workers to help manufacture Enbrel, an arthritis drug.

Amgen has roughly 1,600 workers in Rhode Island. It plans to close one of its manufacturing plants by the end of the year.

The company plans to lay off 1,500 employees across the country as part of a major cost-cutting plan.