Baxter closes 27 plasma centers, cuts 2,500 jobs

<br>DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP) _ Baxter International announced Wednesday it will close 26 plasma collection centers and a plasma processing facility and cut about 2,500 jobs, nearly 5 percent of its global

Wednesday, July 2nd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP) _ Baxter International announced Wednesday it will close 26 plasma collection centers and a plasma processing facility and cut about 2,500 jobs, nearly 5 percent of its global work force, to boost profits.

The Deerfield-based medical products maker said the plasma processing facility being closed is in Rochester, Mich. The plasma collection center closings will cut the number of its collection centers to 94 from 120.

``We continue to focus on operational excellence to improve our overall performance and enhance our position in a competitive, global marketplace,'' chairman and CEO Harry Jansen Kraemer Jr. said. ``This focus is directed toward increasing profitability, cash flow and shareholder returns.''