Since its arrival in Belgium in 1954, the American pharmaceutical company Baxter has continued to grow. Its main activity is the administration of drugs for hospital institutions and patients at home. Furthermore, Baxter is the Belgian leader for major therapies concerning the treatment of patients suffering from serious illnesses.

Today, the group employs some 2,000 people over a surface area of 70,000 m2. The choice of Lessines came about in 1970 with the construction of a first production site and, in 1996, with the installation of a European distribution centre.

But, today, it is its technical expertise, its level of productivity and a strategic location that makes all the difference. The granting of Objective 1 European Structural Funds for Hainaut was decisive in the group's decision to invest in Lessines rather than in Alsace.

In June 2010, the Baxter group inaugurated new buildings in Braine-l’Alleud, where the European head office for research and development is now located.