Biomedical Structures achieves record growth in 2010
Adds capacity and advanced biomaterial production capabilities
Biomedical Structures (BMS), a US provider of biomedical textiles for medical devices and other clinical applications, has achieved record growth in 2010 through expansion and partnerships.
In May, the Warwick, Rhode Island firm completed a private equity financing with Ampersand Ventures, which helped it to expand its services and equipment to offer improved manufacturing capacity and engineering expertise for a widening range of biomaterials.
In September, BMS added a new purpose-built cleanroom for high-density weaving and knitting, which now houses state-of-the-art warping and twisting equipment for orthopoedic, cardiovascular and general surgery device applications.
The company also improved its braiding capabilities with multiple new braiding machines, as well as a 48-carrier model for improved production capacity.
Additional growth following the investment included a co-operation with fibre manufacturer DSM Dyneema around its Dyneema Purity fibre.
BMS now processes Dyneema Purity and Dyneema Purity Blue, the first 100% implantable grade Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre in the world.
The facility extension was purpose-built for handling Dyneema Purity, as well as other fine mono- and multifilament fibers.
BMS president John Gray said this would enable the company to further innovate on its biomedical textile capabilities for orthopoedic and cardiovascular device applications.
The company also unveiled its new company website in November to provide a resource for product engineers and device manufacturers considering biomedical textiles for applications in clinical areas.
