Expansions: Evonik opens medical device centre in Shanghai; SuperSiC breaks ground on semiconductor plant in Malaysia

German chemicals firm Evonik has announced the opening of its largest centre for medical device applications in Shanghai, serving the entire Asian market. This facility specialises in R&D and processing of semi-finished components for bioresorbable medical devices, aiming to support customers in overcoming challenges related to the innovation of high-quality medical devices.

The medical device market in Asia is expecting strong growth in the coming years, including double-digit growth in China, as the demand for advanced medical care and high-value medical components continues to rise. This trend is further bolstered by governmental policies to promote the development of innovative medical devices.

“Our next-generation biomaterials are enabling our customers to innovate new medical technologies that create life beyond limits. The latest addition to our global technical service network can help more customers across Asia in reducing complexity, accelerating time to market, and improving medical device performance,” says Yann d’Hervé, head of Evonik Health Care.

The centre offers comprehensive one-stop solutions that range from concept development, material selection and customisation, prototyping and processing, analytical services, quality and regulatory documentation, to manufacturing semi-finished products and components in an ISO class 7 cleanroom environment.

By utilising advanced processing technologies, the centre converts Evonik’s wide range of standard and customised biomaterials into various types of semi-finished components. These components are designed with specific properties, including bioresorbability, low-friction, antithrombotic and antibacterial characteristics.

Medical device manufacturers can then further process them to meet specific requirements for diverse applications in orthopedics, sports medicine, general surgery, cardiovascular care, neurosurgery, urology, aesthetics, ophthalmology, and dental care.

“The innovation of high-end medical devices plays a key role in the government’s Healthy China 2030 initiative. Manufacturers are increasingly pursuing competitive raw materials and service solutions to differentiate themselves in the world’s second-largest medical device market,” said Fuliang Xia, President of Evonik Greater China.

Evonik’s next-generation biomaterials encompass bioresorbable polymers, surface modification technology, biosynthetic cellulose, and non-animal-derived recombinant collagen platforms. These materials provide unique safety and performance advantages, making them exceptionally suitable for high-end medical consumables. Moreover, the company partners with customers to bring their ideas from concept to market, opening up new possibilities for patient-specific treatments.

In other news, SuperSiC (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, a unit of China’s Zhejiang Jingsheng (JSG), recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new plant at the Penang Technology Park in Bertam, in Malaysia, which will help fill a key gap in country’s semiconductor industry with its advanced wafer fabrication.

The 40,000-sq-m facility is part of JSG’s global expansion and is set to start construction within a year.

Once phase one is complete, it will produce 240,000 eight-inch silicon carbide wafers annually. Silicon carbide wafers are used in high-performance electronics like electric vehicle chargers and power systems for telecom base stations.

“This project will serve as a catalyst, attracting further investments in this crucial sector and strengthening Malaysia's position as Asia's premier advanced manufacturing hub. With SuperSiC's commitment, we're establishing a cornerstone for Malaysia's technological future,” said Malaysian Investment Development Authority CEO Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim. 

JSG chairman Dr Cao Jianwei said the Penang facility represents a pivotal milestone in its international strategy that also enables the launch of SuperSiC's localised production layout in the Southeast Asian market and the start of a new chapter of deep collaboration with the local semiconductor industry ecosystem in Malaysia.

Founded in 2006, JSG is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and is a supplier of solar equipment and large silicon wafer machines (8-12 inch).

Subscribe to Get the Latest Updates from IMA  Please click here