B. Braun Medical Inc., based in Bethlehem, Penn., announced Tuesday a $1 billion investment in new and enhanced IV therapy manufacturing facilities.
The company will build a new manufacturing facility in Daytona Beach, Fla., and modernize existing facilities in Allentown, Penn., and Irvine, Calif. The Solutions for Life initiative also includes a new distribution facility in Daytona Beach and enhancements to existing distribution facilities in Breinigsville, Penn., and Ontario, Calif.
“IV fluid shortages have the potential to cause serious complications for patients across the country, particularly in times of public health emergencies,” Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) said. “B. Braun is making an important investment to address this concern by expanding production capacity and improving the ability to deliver IV fluids when and where they are needed.”
The effort also emphasizes sustainability and ensures a global backup of IV fluids. B. Braun obtained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of IV fluids from European facilities should the need arise in the future.
“As a family-owned medical device and pharmaceutical company, B. Braun believes in longevity, stability, and partnership,” Caroll H. Neubauer, CEO and chairman of B. Braun, said. “These core values drive our investments to help prevent future U.S. IV fluid shortages and our collaboration in working alongside policymakers, healthcare providers, and supply chain partners to deliver these life-saving fluids. Solutions for Life is our commitment to helping ensure consistent supply of vital saline solutions and other IV fluids that hospitals and health systems depend on to treat patients.”