Baxter Plant in Mexico Named Among IndustryWeek's Top 10 Best Plants

DEERFIELD, Ill., December 19, 2008 — Baxter’s manufacturing plant in Cuernavaca, Mexico has been named one of the 10 Best Plants in North America for 2008 by IndustryWeek magazine. Winners of the competition were selected based on key performance metrics, as well as dedication to continually improving people and processes.

"Baxter is honored to receive this important recognition from IndustryWeek," said Alejandro Ochoa Ortiz, plant manager. "This recognition represents our strong commitment to excellence in the management and operation of the Cuernavaca facility."

The Baxter Mexico S.A. de C.V facility was the only Mexican manufacturing plant chosen among the IndustryWeek winners, and is considered a pacesetter in operational strategy, production practices and performance. Baxter has placed a strong emphasis on "lean" manufacturing principles that have improved efficiency at the plant. In the past three years, this has generated significant cost savings, improvements in manufacturing processes, and fewer lost workdays. As a result, productivity has improved by nearly 30 percent.

"This is a facility that embraces change to better serve our customers," said Ortiz. "As a healthcare company, we are privileged to work in an industry where the work we do benefits so many. What makes our business so rewarding also presents our greatest challenge: ensuring the safety and efficacy of our products, which are used millions of times each day by patients worldwide to treat critical, life-threatening conditions."

Baxter’s Cuernavaca facility manufactures renal products and intravenous solutions and employs approximately 1,300 employees. The plant has received the 2008 "Clean Industry" Award; the 2007 Shingo Prize; the 2008 100 Best Companies to Work for in Mexico Award; and the 2008 35 Best Companies for Working Women in Mexico Award.

Winners of the IndustryWeek competition will be recognized at the annual IW Best Plants Conference, which will be held April 27-29, 2009 in Nashville. For more information, visit www.industryweek.com.

About Baxter

Baxter S.A. de C.V. is a subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. Baxter assists healthcare professionals and their patients with treatment of complex medical conditions, including hemophilia, immune disorders, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma and other indications. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.