Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders visited the Vantive plant in Mountain Home on Tuesday to join officials in announcing a planned $100 million investment in the facility. The expansion will add roughly 175 specialized technical and engineering positions to the plant’s existing workforce of about 800 employees.
The investment will increase the facility’s capacity to produce supplies for home dialysis, which is a key product line for Vantive. CEO Chris Toth highlighted the company's commitment to healthcare innovation and credited the strength of the local workforce. "This commitment builds on a previous $100 million investment we completed just last year," Toth said, calling the expansion a reflection of resilience and capability in the Mountain Home community.
The event, held at the facility on North Highway 201, was arranged on short notice, with employees gathering to hear the announcement alongside local officials. Joining the governor were Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), and Dani Pugsley, President and CEO of the Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce.
Vantive, which became an independent company following the private equity firm Carlyle’s acquisition of Baxter International’s kidney care business, has deep roots in Mountain Home. Baxter opened the plant more than 60 years ago, and Vantive now oversees the majority of operations there. The company specializes in products for patients with chronic kidney disease and for those in intensive care units, with the Mountain Home facility specifically manufacturing equipment for home dialysis patients worldwide.
"The products made here reach all the patients who are using home dialysis globally," Toth said. He shared stories of patients whose lives have been changed by home dialysis, emphasizing the importance of the facility’s work. "Home dialysis supports independence, improves quality of life, and reduces healthcare costs," he added.
Gov. Sanders praised the plant’s workforce and the community's continued role in Arkansas’ economic development. "When companies invest in Arkansas, it’s not just about tax incentives or regulations—they always point to the people," Sanders said, highlighting the dedication of local workers. She also touched on Arkansas’ recent economic reforms and its appeal to both new and existing businesses.
O’Neal recognized the collaborative efforts of state leaders, community members, and Vantive employees. "Having a welcoming environment and a community that says, 'We want you here,' makes all the difference," he said. He noted that Vantive’s work resonates on a personal level, referencing his own experiences with a friend dependent on dialysis.
Pugsley, representing the Mountain Home Area Chamber and North Central Arkansas Economic Alliance, praised the trust Vantive has placed in the community. "Vantive isn’t taking a chance on Mountain Home. They know this community, this facility, and the people who make it work," she said. "This investment is a true reflection of the day-to-day contributions made by every employee."
Toth closed the event by reiterating the company’s mission of improving lives and expanding opportunities for patients. "This announcement strengthens our team, ensures Mountain Home’s role in our mission, and opens new opportunities right here in Arkansas," he said.
The expansion will extend over the next several years, with construction and hiring expected to begin soon.