Baxter International has provided an encouraging update following the closure of its largest manufacturing facility in North Carolina due to flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
The North Cove facility in Marion, N.C., employs over 2,500 people and is a key producer of intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions. Despite the significant flooding, Baxter has confirmed that no structural damage has been found at the site.
Supporting Employees in the Wake of the Flood
The company has made it a priority to support its workforce during this challenging time. Baxter has accounted for the majority of its employees, although efforts are still underway to contact a few remaining colleagues in more remote areas.
These areas have been heavily impacted by storm damage, leaving some employees stranded in their homes due to impassable roads and bridges. Baxter has deployed teams, including door-to-door outreach on ATVs, to reach these employees.
In addition to direct outreach, Baxter has established an Employee Support Center near the North Cove facility.
This center is staffed by over 100 employees and is providing much-needed assistance to hundreds of colleagues affected by the flood.
Given the limited availability of supplies, electricity, and cell service in the region, the center has become a vital resource for both employees and the local community.
Progress on Facility Cleanup and Recovery
Despite the flood, Baxter is making steady progress in its recovery efforts. The company shared several positive updates, including the installation of a temporary rock bridge, which is enabling transport to and from the site.
Baxter also expects a second bridge, constructed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, to be operational soon.
More significantly, no structural damage has been identified at the facility, and Baxter anticipates receiving engineering certification within two weeks.
Electrical power has been restored to the site, and the local aquifer—the primary water source for manufacturing—remains intact. With these critical components in place, remediation is well underway.
Baxter has also resumed shipments to hospitals and dialysis patients, ensuring that medical supplies continue to reach those in need. Inventory that was not affected by the storm is being inspected and used to fulfill current allocations.
Additionally, Baxter’s global facilities are ramping up production to help meet the growing demand in the U.S. as the recovery progresses.
Looking Ahead
Baxter expects to begin sharing production plans within the next two weeks as they finalize the cleanup and remediation process.
The company is committed to ensuring a safe working environment for its employees, with a goal of getting more staff back to work as soon as possible.
In the meantime, Baxter has continued to pay its employees throughout the closure, emphasizing its dedication to their well-being.
As the company assesses incoming product shipments from its global plants, adjustments to allocations will be communicated accordingly. Baxter’s coordinated response to this natural disaster reflects its commitment to both its employees and the patients who rely on its life-saving products.
Conclusion
While the North Cove facility experienced a temporary setback due to flooding, Baxter’s recovery efforts and strong commitment to supporting both employees and patients highlight the company’s resilience.
With no structural damage and remediation progressing swiftly, Baxter is on track to resume full operations and continue delivering critical healthcare supplies.