MARION, N.C. — Shipments have resumed to hospitals and dialysis patients after historic flooding from Helene paused operations at the largest manufacturer of intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions in the United States.
Baxter International Inc. closed its North Cove site on Sept. 29 after "unprecedented rain and extensive flooding" to western North Carolina. Heavy rains and storm surges triggered a levee breach, according to a release from the company. Baxter said bridges accessing the site have also been damaged.
A temporary 'rock bridge' has been installed to support transit in and out of the North Cove facility. Baxter said it expects a second bridge to be installed by the NC Department of Transportation "soon."
No structural damage to the facility has been identified and electrical power has been restored.
A "small number" of employees has yet to be accounted for as of Monday, according to the company. Outreach is being made to those employees in remote locations using ATVs.
An employee support center is now being staffed near the plant. Baxter said Monday that "our goal is to get more employees back to work as soon as possible as we establish safe working areas and local infrastructure is restored." The company is still paying employees amid the plant closure.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with all those affected by Hurricane Helene,” Baxter President and CEO José E. Almeida said. “The safety of our employees, their families, and the communities in which we operate remains our utmost concern, and we are committed to helping ensure reliable supply of products to patients."
Several of Baxter's global plants are now ramping up production to help meet U.S. needs amid the plant closure in North Cove. The company said it will communicate adjustments to allocations within the next two weeks.
Almeida said Sept. 29 that Baxter will spare no resource -- human or financial -- to resume production. The Baxter International Foundation has committed $1.5 million in donations to its humanitarian aid partners to help address recovery needs. The foundation is also matching employee donations to relief efforts.
Baxter's North Cove facility is the company's largest and includes more than 2,500 employees.
North Cove is in McDowell County about two hours northwest of Charlotte, North Carolina. McDowell County is also the origin point of the flood-prone Catawba River.
For those who want to help, WCNC Charlotte has partnered with the American Red Cross to help gather donations to go to efforts that will help people impacted by Helene and with the nonprofit Operation Airdrop to get much-needed supplies to the mountain counties. Here's how you can help people impacted by Helene.