Clark, a Merck lifer who previously headed the company's manufacturing division, has focused initially on improving the efficiency of the company's production plants. (Under his plan, many of the job cuts will come from manufacturing, and five of Merck's 31 plants will be closed.) The goal, outlined on today's call, is to increase manufacturing efficiency, much as automakers like General Motors or computer makers like Dell have in the past.

FORBES: Magazine Article