Solvay has appointed US-based Foster Corporation to distribute its Udel polysulfone and Radel polyphenylsulfone resins in the North American healthcare market. Based in Putnam, Connecticut, Foster manufactures and distributes biomedical polymers for the medical device industry. Solvay said the partnership will service the fast-growing market for its high-performance materials in healthcare applications.

The agreement does not affect Solvay’s own order fulfilment policies, or its existing distribution relationship with ResMart. Solvay Specialty Polymers will continue to service orders that are 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) or greater, while smaller quantities will still be available through ResMart with Foster supporting healthcare customers.

Last month, the Belgian group announced it would increase global production capacity for sulfone polymers – including Udel, Radel and Veradel polyethersulfone - by more than 35% over the next five years.

The increase will be achieved through “significant investments and process optimizations” at facilities in the US and Asia. “We are committed to continue investing in our production with the aim of meeting growing industry demand and better serving our customers worldwide,” said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, president of Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit. Solvay produces sulfone monomer and polymers in Marietta, Ohio, USA, and Panoli, India.