Georgia Hannock
Blog Assignment 3
Baxter International is a multinational company that produces health care equipment and services used in hospitals, pharmacies, and homes around the world. As a corporation, they claim to partner with “world-class institutions, clinicians, and scientists” to lead innovation in the healthcare industry, all while protecting the planet and providing an inclusive work environment. Baxter has over 50 manufacturing facilities across the globe, with several of their facilities awarded the Shingo Prize for operational excellence.
Medical equipment is the top export in Costa Rica. In 1987, Baxter was the first medical device manufacturing operation set up in the country. The manufacturing plant is located in Cartago, Costa Rica, specializes in producing products meant for administering medication and delivering IV solutions. According to an article written in 2009, this plant is 152,000ft^2 and employs 1,200 individuals. I believe since then, the size of the plant, the number of employees, and product operations have all increased. The Baxter Facility in Cartago has been certified by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) which is a third-party certification for companies that meet the set international standards for quality and credibility. The certification for the Cartago Plant infers that the products produced at this facility are of advanced product quality planning methodology. The production that has taken place at the Baxter Plant at Cartago is of high quality, and they continue to reach quality standards regards to their environmental footprint and their low incident rate. In 2006, this manufacturing facility has reduced its energy consumption by 9%, reduced waste by 29%, and cut gas consumption by 44%. By 2006, they also reduced their incident rate per 100 from 0.63 in 2000 to 0.06 by 2006. The Baxter manufacturing facility in Cartago has received the Shingo Prize of operational excellence in 2008, which is given to facilities for their achievements of quality improvements in productivity and manufacturing cycles. This is attributed to the employee’s dedication and strong leadership displayed at the Cartago facility.
Baxter International is an American multinational, and its establishment in Cartago can be considered an example of a western power expanding its reach globally to increase its profit. However, Baxter International’s presence in Costa Rica appears to have brought environmentally and socially sustainable employment opportunities to the area, all while generating economic activity. This scenario could be considered an example of a neo-liberal framework, as the free market has allowed Baxter International to globalize its company and establish a presence in Costa Rica. However, I am hesitant to categorize this example as neo-liberalism because of its negative connotation. It seems that the Cartago Facility has had a positive impact and is an example of the free market successfully expanding through globalization.
Baxter International (BAX). Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/companies/baxter-international/?sh=69596fed2319
Our Story. Baxter. https://www.baxter.com/our-story
Worldwide Facilities. Baxter: Biopharma Solutions. https://biopharmasolutions.baxter.com/about-us/worldwide-facilities
Baxter Healthcare Cartago Facility. (16 August, 2009). Pharmaceutical Technology. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/projects/baxter-cartago/
Baxter’s Costa Rica Facility Recognized with Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. (February 6, 2008). Pharmaceutical Online. https://www.pharmaceuticalonline.com/doc/baxters-costa-rica-facility-recognized-with-s-0001