Wacker Chemical Corp. is growing its presence in the Lehigh Valley by acquiring the assets of Bio Med Sciences. 
Acquiring Bio Med Sciences’ manufacturing equipment and most of its workforce will allow Wacker to expand its silicone-coated healthcare products business, under the name Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations LLC, in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.
“By taking over Bio Med Sciences’ assets, technology, and know-how, we are now a solution provider for the health care industry. We can support and collaborate with customers who are looking for innovative adhesive coating solutions in the healthcare sector even better. This new business perfectly complements our existing solutions of silicone-based gel adhesives for medical and cosmetic applications,” said Christian Kirsten, a Board Member at Wacker Chemical Corp.
Wacker is based in Germany and has more than 16,000 employees worldwide. In addition to the medical field, its products are used in items including semiconductors, toothpaste, chewing gum, fabric softener, carpet adhesive, paints, and automotive components.
Wacker’s other location in the Lehigh Valley, in Upper Macungie Township, includes research and development and office operations.
The expansion is the latest in the Lehigh Valley’s growing life sciences sector. Nearly 7,000 people work at about 170 companies, including internationally recognized brands such as B. Braun Medical, Olympus, and Sharp. In 2022, B. Braun completed a 310,000 square-foot expansion that will add 200 new jobs.
Bio Med Sciences has been in the Lehigh Valley since 1991, getting its start at the Ben Franklin TechVentures business incubator in Bethlehem that’s run by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
It has developed an innovative line of advanced wound care, scar management, and skin-renewing products used for treating burn injuries, plastic surgery cases, and for general over-the-counter use. It holds about 60 patents and makes products under the brand names Silon, Oleeva, and SeaAllure. The company sells directly to patients, consumers, and clinical practices, as well as through distributors.
Bio Med Sciences uses medical grade silicone in its products, and Wacker is one of the world’s leading suppliers of all types of silicone materials.
“There are many synergies that come from this transition. Bio Med will have access to world-class silicone technologies while Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations will have manufacturing capabilities unique in the industry,” said Mark E. Dillon, President and Founder of Bio Med Sciences.
Bio Med Sciences will retain its finished medical goods business with burn centers, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and the public. It will continue to sell products under its brand names, and to develop new products. The products will now be manufactured by Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations. Both companies will operate out of the same property on Postal Road in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.
“This strategic acquisition allows Wacker to provide support to customers, like Bio Med Sciences, who are seeking new silicone skin-adhesive product development, enabling innovation, and introducing cutting edge silicone adhesives technology into adjacent markets such as medical devices,” said Richard King, Commercial Leader of Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations.
Wacker said the technology acquired from Bio Med Sciences will be used as a development platform for innovations in stick-to-skin applications, such as wear-able medical devices and scar care.
With the new assets and its existing silicones portfolio, Wacker can now provide processing recommendations with technical service to coaters and product designers. Also, customers will have access to new silicone adhesive coated products through contract manufacturing.
Wacker President and CEO David Wilhoit and other company officials marked the asset purchase by holding an event and tour for local officials on May 31. Those in attendance included U.S. Rep. Susan Wild; representatives from the offices of state Rep. Jeanne McNeill and state Sen. Nick Miller; the Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council; Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania; the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce; and Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC).
(Photos by Rick Kintzel)