Freudenberg Group invests in medical technology

Weinheim, December 18, 2014. The Freudenberg Group is to acquire Polymer Health Technology (PHT), Ebbw Vale, Great Britain, a leading specialist of polyurethane foams for advanced wound care, effective January 1, 2015. With the acquisition of the company, which was founded in 2003, the Freudenberg Nonwovens Business Group will continue to expand its product portfolio in the field of medical technology. "Hydrophilic foam solutions are a key technology for advanced wound care," says Dr. Mohsen Sohi, Speaker of the Freudenberg Group Board of Management. "With Polymer Health Technology's solutions, we will be able to offer additional innovative solutions to strengthen and expand our medical technology field over the long-term." Hydrophilic foam solutions play an increasingly important role in modern advanced wound care. Current global market share lies at over 40 percent. Both companies have agreed not to release any financial details about the acquisition.

The hydrophilic wound management systems from Polymer Health Technology absorb wound exudate, creating an ideal environment for wound healing. They protect the wound from drying out, from cooling and ensure an unhindered exchange of gases and water vapor, thereby accelerating the wound healing process."With Polymer Health Technology's products, we will be able to offer our globally-active customers an even more comprehensive portfolio of innovative solutions for modern wound healing management," explains Bruce Olson, CEO and President of Freudenberg Nonwovens. Following the acquisition, Freudenberg Nonwovens plans to strengthen its research and development capabilities, both at the new site and at the company's headquarter in Weinheim. PHT operates a state-of-the-art production and research facility in Ebbw Vale, a former steelworks town in Wales, which in the future, will work together with the research and development facilities in Weinheim.

Going forward, PHT will participate in the world-wide sales network of the globally-active technology company Freudenberg. Nicholas Woodman, founder of PHT, will continue to play a crucial role in the company's development. All PHT's employees will be retained by Freudenberg Nonwovens. Medical wound management is a cornerstone of Freudenberg Nonwovens' strategy. The aim is to continue to expand the product portfolio with new technologies. The foundation stones have already been laid. In recent years, new customers have been won and in-house production capacity developed and extended.

Today, with wound care dressings for adhesive plasters in the consumer segment, as well as for professional applications in hospitals and for the treatment of chronic wounds, Freudenberg Nonwovens offers a comprehensive, innovative and high-quality product range to the medical industry.