The manufacturing problems in Puerto Rico and rumors of expansion delays at a plant in Ireland are forcing the drugmaker to stay in upstate New York until at least 2009, although the facility is still for sale. The news was announced to employees during a series of meetings yesterday.

Wyeth has been trying to sell the plant shortly after closing plans were announced in October 2005, and employees tell The Press-Republican that they hear there are potential purchasers on the hook.

“I think it’s great. But I think it would be better if they would tell us there is a complete (sale). There’s two possible buyers,” says Shana Blain, a process operator who’s worked at the plant since 1997. “I just want a paycheck. I like my Wyeth money.”

Wyeth’s decision came as no surprise to some, who, while they didn’t want to be quoted in the newspaper, said they’d heard company operations in Ireland - where Rouses Point’s Premarin production is being moved - were gearing up slower than expected.

In November 2006, Wyeth hiked Rouses Point’s short-term production and manufacturing of the antidepressant Effexor in response to problems at its plant in Puerto Rico, where other product lines had been transferred. The FDA cited that operation for several manufacturing violations. At the time, Wyeth said there’d be no change in the timetable for closing the plant.

The one-year extension at the plant is the biggest news since the announcement in late December 2006 that Wyeth would not be shutting down operations “for the foreseeable future” of its Research Chemical Development Pilot Plant in Rouses Point, which employs about 118.

“We will be continuing manufacturing through 2009 in order to meet ongoing product demands and ensure we have reliable product supply for our patients and customers,” says Wyeth spokeswoman Wendy Kouba.

Rouses Point Mayor George Rivers heard about Wednesday’s announcement through the grapevine and pronounced it welcome. “They’re still paying their taxes; they’re still using water, and they’re still using electricity.”