Wacker has signed a purchase agreement with US-based Bio Med Sciences to acquire its manufacturing assets.
The move will allow the company to expand its expertise and business into the realm of silicone-coated healthcare products.
As part of the purchase, a majority of Bio Med Sciences’ workforce will also move to Wacker. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
Silicones for optimal adhesion
Silicones are best-in-class adhesive solutions due to their unmatched skin compatibility and tuneable adhesive properties, according to Wacker.
“The acquisition is an important step for us. Now, we have the capability to drive forward our business with silicone specialties with even greater vigour,” said Wacker Board Member Christian Kirsten.
“With this development, we have positioned ourselves as a provider for the healthcare industry, meaning we can support and collaborate with customers who are looking for adhesive coating solutions in the healthcare sector even better than before. This new business complements our existing solutions of silicone-based gel adhesives for medical and cosmetic applications.”
Wacker can now provide processing recommendations with technical service to coaters and product designers
Inspiring future innovations
Wacker will also use the acquired technology as a development platform for innovations in stick-to-skin applications, such as wearable medical devices and scar care.
“With our own prototyping ability, we now have an opportunity to demonstrate the performance attributes and advantages of our silicones to coaters, converters, and designers of medical devices,” explained CEO and President of Wacker Chemical Corporation Christoph Kowitz.
With these new assets and the existing silicones portfolio, Wacker added it can now provide processing recommendations with technical service to coaters and product designers.
Additionally, customers will have access to new silicone adhesive coated products through contract manufacturing.
“We will be able to support coaters who do not use silicones or lack access to assets for coating with silicones,” stated Kowitz.