G4S secures Pfizer’s Global Digital Innovation Centre
James Thorpe
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G4S’s strong relationship with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer – best known for producing a leading COVID-19 vaccine – has continued, with G4S now delivering an integrated security solution at Pfizer’s new Global Centre for Digital Innovation in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Following the ongoing delivery of successful security services at one of Pfizer’ largest global production and packaging sites at Puurs in Belgium and at a Research and Development site in Kent in the UK, the new site in Thessaloniki is a high profile new addition to G4S’s growing role keeping people and property safe at Pfizer sites in Europe.
The Global Centre for Digital Innovation is a key component of Pfizer’s global digital operating model. Already employing over 300 high-level scientists, the centre’s focus includes digitising drug discovery and development, enhancing health outcomes and patient experience, digital tools to work faster and easier as well as AI and advanced analytics.
The site was inaugurated on 12 October 2021 by the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who described it as a “very special moment for the city.”
Award winning services
“We are very proud to deliver our innovative security solutions for Pfizer at this exciting new site in Thessaloniki,” said Nikos Barbias, Managing Director for G4S in Greece. “We all know how pivotal a role this company has played in the last couple of years with their vaccinations to help people all over the world try to get back to normal during the coronavirus pandemic and we are pleased that at this site – and others across Europe – G4S has been able to play our part and support that success.
“G4S has been working with Pfizer for a long time, but we’ve had to continuously adapt as their increased global profile since the pandemic creates increased risks, such as the potential of being targeted for industrial espionage or by activist groups,” said Nikos. “The rapidly increasing number of staff on site also increases the importance of having effective health, safety and fire evacuation management at the site.”
Across Greece, G4S delivers a wide range of security services that have recently attracted a number of industry awards. At the Security and Fire Awards 2021 held in Greece in November, G4S took home eight awards including Best Special Event Security for the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), Best Integrated Security Solution for the Avramar Aquaculture Project in Astakos, the Best Fire Security System at the National Theatre of Athens and the Best Transportation Security Solution at the Port of Rhodes. G4S also won the Grand Award for the Security Integrator of the Year.
G4S sets the scene of excellence
At the Thessaloniki Global Centre for Digital Innovation, G4S provides a range of security solutions including manned guarding, access control for people and visitors, ensuring that staff, contractors and visitors have the correct access level, surveillance including high-tech CCTV cameras and a quick response team to investigate alarms that are triggered.
“Alongside the range of solutions that we deliver for Pfizer, we’re also a key part of the staff and visitor experience at the centre” said Nikos. “It is the role of our team to set the scene of excellence from the moment visitors and staff enter the building and throughout their journey.
“Our highly-trained teams are also prepared to respond to any demonstrations, protests or attempted breaches to ensure that Pfizer’s staff and visitors are safe and secure as they go about their work. We ensure that all site-related health, safety and fire prevention issues are effectively managed, including executing fire drills and we investigate any attempted breaches, thefts or security incidents in partnership with Pfizer, the police and local authorities.”
G4S is also responsible for First Aid at the site, ensuring that adequately trained responders are always available and stocks of medical supplies are maintained.
“All of our solutions and services combined mean that Pfizer can focus on their important work with peace of mind that the safety of their staff, visitors and property is taken care of by our dedicated, expert and experienced team,” said Nikos.
Conor Hanlon, Security Director for Pfizer, Global Security, EMEA said: “G4S are a critical service provider to Pfizer operations globally. The partnership with G4S has ensured our operations’ continued success and security across the globe.
“Pfizer is committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for its colleagues, clients, visitors and Contingent Workers. G4S security officers play a critical part in supporting our commitment.”
