Foster Introduces Fluoropolymer Solutions for Medical 

Dayville, CT (March 2001) - As the global leader in material solutions for the medical industry, Foster Corporation introduces fluoropolymer compounds, extending its range of thermoplastic solutions. Foster's comprehensive line of material solutions utilizes high-tech equipment and technologies required to meet the extensive quality requirements of medical customers. A technology investment of this magnitude is rare amongst compounders, especially specialty providers, but is required to provide outstanding service to medical device manufacturers.

A comprehensive source for fluoropolymer and thermoplastic material solutions is especially valuable in the medical industry where applications such as catheters can use a wide variety of materials for a single device. Catheter manufacturers often supply a variety of devices resulting in dozens of materials ranging in volume from several hundred to several thousand pounds. Until now, many of these manufacturers purchased such materials from numerous sources with varying levels of quality control and lot traceability.

Foster now offers one-stop-shopping for device makers who have purchase requirements for a wide variety of materials including fluoropolymers and thermoplastics. In its 12-year history Foster has continually added to its material processing capability and plans to continue with more introductions following the new FEP and fluoropolymer effort.

According to Foster president Larry Acquarulo, "One-stop-shopping for device companies offers more consistency, easier batch tracing and improved quality throughout the device. The significant challenge in developing expertise in both thermoplastics and fluoropolymers is a good reason why traditional material suppliers have specialized in only one. But the value to our customers of offering the comprehensive range of material solutions is an even better reason for us to offer both."

Foster Corporation and Foster West Corporation are the global market leaders in design, development and delivery of specialty thermoplastic and fluoropolymer solutions for medical, electronic and other niche industrial markets. The company's Applied Polymer Development group provides material, process and design contract engineering services for these target markets. For more information, please call 860.774.3964.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Dan Lazas
610.458.2038