MARION, N.C. — Baxter International, a western North Carolina plant that provides a bulk of intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions across the United States, said it has released its first product that it manufactured post-Helene. The product was a one-liter IV solution, which is the most-commonly used size in hospitals and clinics across the country.
"This is ahead of our original expectations and made possible by the dedication and resilience of the North Cove and broader Baxter teams, working in coordination with FDA," Baxter said to WCNC Charlotte.
The company previously said it's on track to reach 100% of allocations for multiple IV product codes by the end of 2024.
It comes after the plant recently reopened a second manufacturing line as it recovers from the impacts of Helene in the region. The two manufacturing lines represent about half of the North Cove, North Carolina, plant's total production and about 85% of its production of one-liter IV solutions when operating at peak levels.
It's still not clear when production levels will be restored to pre-Helene levels.
Baxter was forced to close its plant on Sept. 29 because of the rain and flooding wrought by the hurricane. A levee breach was triggered nearby and bridges leading to the plant were heavily damaged. Regular updates about the plant's status have been promising given that Baxter supplies about 60% of the United States' IV bags. Baxter's shutdown had hospitals and clinics nationwide on edge -- health care company Premier estimated at one point that 86% of health providers faced IV fluid shortages, with smaller hospitals likely to report getting 0% of ordered fluids.
Baxter CEO José E. Almeida previously swore to spare no resource -- human or financial -- to resume production.
North Cove is located in McDowell County, about 108 miles northwest of Charlotte.