Thread regarding Baxter layoffs

Link:
https://wlos.com/news/local/nearly-100-baxter-employees-laid-off-marion-site-plant-north-cove-layoffs-lower-demand-supply-distribution-mcdowell-county-leaders-jobs-market-north-carolina

A recent news report at https://wlos.com/ states that North Cove let go 3% of its workforce (90 employees). Anyone have any information on this?

@5d6 If you have done this much research and focus at your job, you would not been laid off writing essay like this, loser! Company stocks went from $80 to $18 so even average iq person see layoffs coming. All the low performers were laid off.

@5d6 Alleged?!? Eat me. Also, FYI: tl;dr.

There was an alleged “AI” assessment posted in another recent thread on this same site. That post was directionally correct, though some parts were unclear and perhaps leaned in the wrong direction. In this thread someone mentioned they don’t think the layoffs are done, and I know that statement is correct based on the method the new CEO uses—methods that come from his previous company’s playbook. I don’t think a total sale is in the deck yet, but that is more than likely a last‑resort option if this strategy encounters problems.

The playbook the new CEO is using has roughly four phases. There is room to modify it as needed, but you’ll get the point. I'll place rough time estimates based on his approximate start date.

Phase 1: Assessment (Sep‑25 to Dec‑25)
Phase 2: Unveiling of the new organizational design (Jan‑26 to Mar‑26)
Phase 3: Business‑unit optimization (Apr‑26 to Sep‑26)
Phase 4: Portfolio optimization (Oct‑26 to Dec‑27)

Based on this CEO’s track record and how the model is intended to be used, there are probably three to four layoff waves in this plan. The exact number will depend on how much restructuring is needed.

According to the posts, we are probably seeing Layoff Wave 1, which aligns with Phase 2. If that’s the case, I would expect the upcoming earnings call to highlight the new plan. The targets in this wave are usually middle management and corporate staff.

I would expect Layoff Wave 2 to be linked with Phase 3. The targets will be business‑unit “restructuring” or refinement. Manufacturing may be hit here, especially if there are redundancies that add little value or continuity. Think about functions or roles that could be outsourced entirely, hired as contractors, or filled on a time‑based basis—similar to the “make vs. buy” concept but applied to headcount. There might be a couple of these waves if the original structure was in poor shape and role “work types” are crossed or conflated with other functions. My guess is that a Layoff Wave 3 could also occur within Phase 3, given the current challenges.

When the portfolio is optimized, there will be divestiture‑related layoffs. This is Layoff Wave 4, affecting individuals in the business unit(s) being sold or in functions that were shared with the departing unit and are no longer needed.

The strategy focuses on high‑margin business units that have a defensible position or moat, making it difficult for competitors to enter. Budgets will be refocused toward the money‑makers, while resources shift away from lower‑growth units. This “vertical focus” will systematically re‑allocate capital to align with a new 2‑3‑year strategic plan, followed by a 4‑10‑year plan.

Per the playbook, business units or segments at risk typically have below‑average margins, the slowest growth rates in the portfolio, limited or no strategic alignment with the core businesses, excessive debt, or capital requirements that are needed to service the unit while the return on invested capital remains uncertain—especially when competition is easy or new entrants can quickly erode market share. I think the best candidate for divestiture is frontline care acquired with the Hillrom purchase. That business is in serious decline, with multiple quarters of performance challenges.

Applying an industrial‑automation playbook too aggressively—especially to front‑end effectiveness functions that require regulatory, compliance, and design rigor—poses a real risk. In those areas, thoroughness is non‑negotiable, and a misstep can be hard to detect until it’s already causing damage. The Danaher‑style benchmarks that worked elsewhere don’t translate cleanly to Baxter’s unique environment. Investor sentiment adds another layer of pressure, turning the situation into a delicate balancing act inside a pressure cooker.

Layoffs in Raleigh and Palm Beach Gardens. I heard some layoffs will still be happening this week.

Lay off at Batesville location, Multiple people in quality affected.

@4e5 Done or not done. Just find another job when it happens. Only people who are lazy or living paycheck to paycheck are worried.

I don't think they are done with layoffs. I think it will be incremental to avoid the WARN Act. Does anyone know how many people were affected last week?

This is a sign that its being prepped for a sale. Not sure if there is anything left worth purchasing.

@OP I have heard from multiple sources that Reaz Rasoul’s departure will be announced on Tuesday.

@44s Just to add - Deerfield, FTE, global.

@44g My boss is going to be laid off and it doesn’t sound good for our whole team. They will announce layoffs on Tuesday Jan 20th. Not sure what will come. Scared.

It's Friday evening, 1/16/2026. Does anyone know, are the layoffs over (for now) or are they continuing next week?

@42c what site location?

Many people across the globe are affected by the layoffs

One project manager was let go yesterday - he updated his LinkedIn profile to #OpenToWork yesterday afternoon.

Layoffs started in Deerfield and Skan Falls

Layoffs started today at the Cleveland MS facility.

@3yj Today was the first stage, tomorrow the entire day is blocked out for HR to do more meetings.

Layoffs happened today to FTEs

@342 That’s because they’re ki-ling a specific product that relied on those contractors.

I know we’re laying off some contractors from Romania, not sure about FTE layoffs