The western North Carolina factory, which makes 60% of the nation’s IV fluid supplies, has restarted its busiest production line after it was damaged by flooding from Hurricane Helen last month.
That’s a positive sign of recovery as hospitals across the country struggle with fluid shortages, but supplies are likely to remain tight in the coming weeks.
Baxter, the IV fluid manufacturer that operates the Marion plant that was flooded by Helen, said on thursday The restarted production line could produce 25% of the factory’s total output at peak times and about 50% of the factory’s output of 1 liter of IV solution, the product most commonly used in hospitals and clinics. It is said that there is a sex.
“Recovery progress at our North Cove facility continues to be very encouraging,” said Jose Almeida, CEO and President of Baxter. “We have progressed from the depth of Helen’s impact to reopening our production lines at peak production.” While this is a critical milestone, further efforts are required to return the plant to full production. ”
Overall, Baxter said it is ahead of previously anticipated schedules for getting the large plant back up and running. The company has previously said it aims to produce 90% to 100% of some products by the end of the year. Still, the initial batches currently in production are expected to begin shipping as early as late November.
One of the many challenges in renovating the facility was the lack of access to the site. Helen damaged the connecting bridge. In its latest announcement, Baxter said a temporary bridge built with support from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the federal Office of Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) will allow more than 885 trucks of existing inventory to be transported from the plant. said. Since Helen. A second temporary bridge, expected to be completed in early November, will provide additional access for traffic and equipment to the site.
