8-KOther EventsExhibits & Filings

BECTON DICKINSON & CO 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Oct 28, 2019)

Filed October 28, 2019For Securities:BDX

Summary

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) has resolved a legal dispute with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) concerning sterilization operations at its Covington facility. The company agreed to voluntarily suspend operations for a week (October 30 to November 6, 2019) and will implement operational modifications to further reduce ethylene oxide emissions upon resumption on November 7, 2019. Additionally, BDX will operate the Covington facility at a reduced capacity and has agreed not to expand operations at its Madison, Georgia facility. BDX stated that based on the settlement terms and its business continuity plans, it does not anticipate a material impact on its financial results of operations. This resolution addresses concerns regarding emissions and aims to ensure continued product availability for patients while demonstrating BDX's commitment to environmental compliance and operational improvements.

Key Highlights

  • 1Resolution of litigation with Georgia EPD regarding Covington sterilization facility.
  • 2Voluntary suspension of sterilization operations at Covington facility from October 30 to November 6, 2019.
  • 3Resumption of operations on November 7, 2019, with reduced capacity and operational modifications to lower ethylene oxide emissions.
  • 4Agreement not to expand operations at the Madison, Georgia facility.
  • 5Continued implementation of previously committed emission control improvements at Covington and Madison facilities.
  • 6Company anticipates no material impact on results of operations due to the settlement and business continuity efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Georgia EPD filed a complaint seeking to enjoin BDX from continuing sterilization operations at its Covington facility until certain voluntary emission control improvements were implemented, specifically related to ethylene oxide emissions.

BDX will voluntarily suspend operations at its Covington facility from October 30 to November 6, 2019. Upon resuming on November 7, 2019, the facility will operate at reduced capacity with modifications to further reduce emissions. BDX also agreed not to expand operations at its Madison facility and to continue implementing prior emission control commitments.

Based on the terms of the settlement and BDX's business continuity efforts, the company does not expect a material impact to its results of operations.

Yes, upon resuming operations on November 7, 2019, the Covington facility will operate at a reduced capacity and will implement specific operational modifications aimed at further reducing ethylene oxide emissions.