Dow Corning and PolyOne announce distributor agreement for silicone elastomers in healthcare applications

Dow Corning Corp. and PolyOne Corp. have announced that PolyOne will distribute Dow Corning silicone products to healthcare device manufacturers and fabricators in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Dow Corning’s silicone elastomers are used in a variety of medical device applications including, electrocardiogram tabs, catheters, angioplasty balloons, and medical grade O-rings, tubing stoppers and closures, among many other healthcare applications.

“PolyOne is recognized throughout North America for its dependable distribution and quality customer service and we look forward to working with this industry leader to provide superior products and service,” said Carol Pudnos, Dow Corning global healthcare industry director. “Increased access to our materials and technology will enable our customers to further address evolving healthcare megatrends such as aging-population and the rise of chronic diseases.”

The agreement adds the first non-thermoplastic solution to PolyOne Distribution’s healthcare portfolio.

“The addition of Dow Corning silicone products will expand PolyOne’s ability to provide customer value by helping healthcare device manufacturers and processors streamline logistics and simplify inventory management,” said Michael L. Rademacher, president, PolyOne Distribution. “Dow Corning’s specialty offerings hold a distinctive position in the healthcare industry and are an excellent complement to our expanding healthcare solutions portfolio.”

Dow Corning offers one of the most expansive lines of silicon-based performance enhancing materials in the healthcare industry – materials that are safe and beneficial in numerous applications.

About PolyOne

PolyOne Corporation, with 2009 annual revenues of $2.1 billion, is a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. Headquartered outside Cleveland, Ohio USA, PolyOne has operations around the world. For additional information, visit www.polyone.com.

About Dow Corning

Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company’s Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the United States.