5 Questions for Natvar at Medica/CompaMed 2019

Once again, I find myself wandering the many halls of the Medica and CompaMed trade events. Between checking out the latest and greatest from the medtech elite, discovering new firms displaying their first products at the show, or catching up with those I’ve met before, I took a moment to reach out to representatives at several companies exhibiting at the medical device gathering this year. Hopefully, these questions provide useful information for anyone unable to meet with them at the event or those who are not headed to Germany this year. With that in mind, Bob Donohue, general manager at Natvar, a Tekni-Plex business, shared the following insights to help you determine if the firm is a potential services partner for you in 2020 or beyond.
 
Sean Fenske: What technology or service are you emphasizing at Medica/CompaMed this year?
Bob Donohue: Microextrusion tubing for neurovascular interventional therapies and surgical applications, as well as high-precision medical silicone extrusion tubing, typically used for catheters, feeding tubes, drug delivery and peristaltic pump applications.
 
Fenske: What’s the most common challenge customers inquire about and how do you address it?
Donohue: While the medical device sector is looking to miniaturize devices and provide enhanced features, it is also focused on cost savings. We look at each project individually and apply our knowledge to deliver both speed and value to our customers.
 
Fenske: If you could give one piece of advice to companies seeking a manufacturing partner before they make a decision, what would it be?
Donohue: Take a look at their commercialization track record and manufacturing footprint. Make sure they are ISO certified. Also, ask them to detail any other existing internal validations that meet or exceed your current requirements.
 
Fenske: What are the forces driving medical device manufacturers to seek your technology/services over doing it in-house?
Donohue: Manufacturing precision tubing for medical device applications requires an investment in technology, people, and equipment. It’s not cost effective for medical device manufacturers to bring this in-house.
 
Fenske: In what ways is your company able to aid in getting a product (project) to market faster?
Donohue: Natvar’s recent investment in expanded silicone extrusion capacity helps provide a one-stop global solution for complex medical applications and supports the growing need for biological compatibility for implantable medical devices. Our global manufacturing footprint means we are in an ideal position to help companies meet their production timelines. Natvar’s production timelines are driven and met by internal project management. We assign a project manager to each program to ensure we fully understand the customer’s needs and we meet their deadlines.
 
Natvar, a Tekni-Plex business, is located at Medica/Compamed in Hall 6, Booth/Stand H30.