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 is on track to reach 100% of allocations for multiple IV product codes by the end of 2024.
As part of the process, Baxter will be increasing allocations in phases in late November, in mid-December, and at the end of the year.
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. The one-liter solutions are the most-commonly used size in hospitals and clinics across the country.
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 swore to spare no resource -- human or financial -- to resume production.
North Cove is located in McDowell County, about 108 miles northwest of Charlotte.