As a global leader in medical products, Baxter Healthcare depends on a highly skilled workforce to manufacture the products patients rely on every day. But like many manufacturers, the company faced a growing challenge: finding employees with the specialized technical skills needed for advanced automation and injection molding. At the same time, the cost of providing that training internally placed added pressure on the company’s budget.
To strengthen its workforce, Baxter partnered with the South Delta Planning & Development District and received support through AccelerateMS. The investment made it possible for the company to provide specialized technical training without sacrificing other operational priorities, creating new opportunities for employees while strengthening the company’s long-term competitiveness.
Production technicians participated in advanced training focused on injection molding processes, equipment troubleshooting, automation, and the technical skills required for higher-level manufacturing roles. Rather than relying solely on outside hiring to fill critical positions, Baxter chose to invest in the people already on its team—building expertise from within and creating a stronger internal talent pipeline.
The impact extended beyond the classroom. Employees gained a deeper understanding of injection molding operations and developed the skills needed to diagnose equipment issues, improve production processes, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. As their knowledge grew, so did their ability to take on greater responsibility across the manufacturing operation.
The investment also delivered lasting workforce benefits. By preparing current employees for more advanced technical positions, Baxter has been able to fill higher-level roles with internal talent, reducing the need to recruit specialized workers from outside the region. The result is a more resilient workforce, improved production performance, and expanded career opportunities for employees.
Baxter’s story demonstrates how strategic workforce development investments can help employers overcome talent shortages while creating meaningful opportunities for their existing workforce.