Parker Hannifin announced Thursday the formal opening of the Polymer Innovation Center at the Parflex Division in Ravenna, Ohio, which will have a focus on medical device polymers.

The company is teaming up with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and the University of Akron to research, develop and prototype new uses for thermoplastic and fluoropolymer hose, tubing and accessories in the 24,000-square foot facility.

"The Parflex Division is proud to work with our northeast Ohio partners in what we believe is one of the premier polymer and rapid prototyping complexes in the world,” said Mark Gagnon, general manger, Parflex Division, in a news release. “The Polymer Innovation Center will certainly expand our capability to solve our customers’ problems and provide value-added solutions.”

The center includes a support lab, processing area, five-story polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) paste tower for medical tubing development as well as offices and conference space.

Aside from the medical industry, Parker Hannifin products have applications in a wide variety of industries and the innovation center's activities will also not be limited to life sciences applications.

Funding for the Polymer Innovation Center came through a $2.3 million financial commitment from Ohio’s Third Frontier Research and Development Center Program and a $15 million investment from Parker.

The center is expected to create 34 high-technology and engineering jobs. 

-- By Arundhati Parmar, Senior Editor, MD+DI
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