BAXTER TO EXPAND FACILITIES IN CHINA

Illinois-based Baxter International will spend approximately $60 million over the next five years to expand its four manufacturing facilities in China. In 2005, the company's drug sales in the country reached $100 million, and are expected to more than double by 2010.

"This investment symbolizes Baxter's strong commitment to meeting local needs for critical products and advancing healthcare in China and across the Asia Pacific region," said Peter J. Arduini, president of the company's medication delivery business. "It also underscores the importance of this key market in Baxter's continuing geographic expansion and growth."

The company's intravenous solutions and peritoneal dialysis products have grown especially popular in China, Baxter reported. The company has also expanded its market in China for end-stage kidney disease treatments. In addition to its China plants — in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou and Tianjin — Baxter operates facilities in India, Japan, Singapore, Australia and the Philippines.