Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently lamented the loss of jobs at Baxter International’s Medina facility, but assured that the layoffs were not a sign of more losses in the future. Hawley personally spoke with Nelson Patterson, the company’s vice president at Medina, who indicated that the downsizing resulted from lack of approval of a major product component from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the possibility of recalling employees once the platform is approved.

“These layoffs are terrible news for the hardworking employees affected by the FDA’s inaction, but Baxter remains committed to producing and preserving jobs in our region,” said Hawley. “Having spoken directly with company leadership, I can attest that it is their hope to recall these men and women once the FDA green-light’s their project, a process I will work to expedite in any way I can. Baxter has been a true friend of economic development in Medina and throughout Orleans County, and I hope that they can continue their track record of success by bringing their employees back into the fold as soon as possible.”