Foster Expands Pharmaceutical Material Compounding 

Putnam, CT (February, 2004) - Foster Corporation' new state-of-the-art biomedical polymer compounding facility includes the latest technology for compounding and extruding materials for medical and pharmaceutical applications. The recently acquired Leistritz ZSE-27mm twin screw extruder incorporates the GMP technology for precision biomedical materials.

Foster's new 45,000 sq. ft. research and production facility is an entirely clean environment with epoxy floors, filtration and air management systems throughout, including polymer compounding and research areas. The heart of the operation is the advanced extrusion equipment that produces material solutions for medical and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Foster has added the new Leistritz twin screw extruder as part of an ongoing investment to provide leadership in the biomedical material market.

According to Foster's Director of Operations, Ken Pickering, "The line between medical devices and drug delivery has become less defined. Drug coated stents and anti-microbial wound care are just two examples. The Leistritz was a substantial investment, but a very important one for us to continue to provide our biomedical customers with precision materials involving either traditional medical formulations or drug delivery solutions."

The 600 rpm, 25 hp Leistritz ZSE-27mm extruder incorporates GMP design for the medical and pharmaceutical applications. This includes a processing system that is fully capable of monitoring all important parameters of the extrusion line. Extremely accurate feeding systems ensure constant feed streams and make monitoring simple as the extrusion line runs continuously. A modular screw and barrel system allows for increased efficiency in production and turn around of various materials.

Foster is a global market leader in design, development and delivery of specialty thermoplastic and fluoropolymer materials. The company provides material solutions to start-up through Fortune 500 companies world-wide from two facilities and three business units, including BioMedical Polymers, Applied Polymer Development, and Supply Chain Management. For more information, please call (860)774-3964.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dan Lazas
610.331.6342