Advanced In-Line Laminates Replace Adhesives with Improved Process from RTP Company
WINONA, MINN, USA — The Sheet and Film Division of RTP Company has improved in-line laminate systems that allow for both flexible film and sheet to achieve superior mechanical bonds to fabric during manufacturing. These improvements eliminate secondary processes, allowing for a single in-line laminate technique that negates the need for adhesives.

"Our innovative technique is new to the industry, and it is a vast improvement over competitive laminate technologies that rely on adhesives," said Peter Ploumidis, President of RTP Company's Wiman Group. "Without adhesives in the laminate fabrics, the possibility of skin irritations is reduced and biocompatibility issues are eliminated. This is an important benefit to those in the medical industry and we have already realized several important commercial successes."

A wide variety of in-line fabrics and textures are offered including wovens, knits, brushed and unbroken loop fabrics, in addition to an array of nonwoven materials. Standard in-line laminate products are stocked, and custom products can be developed to meet exact performance requirements. "RTP Company is the only organization that can offer the expansive breadth of in-line laminate products in PVC, olefins, and engineering resins," said Ploumidis.

RTP Company acquired Wiman Corporation in 2006, combining its state-of-the-art sheet manufacturing and expansive polymer expertise with Wiman's complete line of flexible plastic film. RTP Company's Sheet and Film Division now offers an unmatched capability portfolio of specialty products in thicknesses from 0.004 to 0.400 inches and in resins ranging from PVC to PEEK.

RTP Company Acquires Customized Plastic Film Manufacturer Wiman Corporation
WINONA, MINN, USA — RTP Company announced it has acquired Wiman Corporation of Sauk Rapids, MN, a leading manufacturer of customized plastic film for the medical, industrial and consumer markets. This acquisition will enhance RTP Company's leadership position in the plastics industry by combining its existing Sheet Division with Wiman's complete line of flexible plastic film products and extrusion capabilities.

"Wiman strengthens our business position in the sheet and film industry by letting us manufacture down to 4 mil film, and quite importantly we will now be adding PVC to our product mix," said Hugh Miller, President and CEO of RTP Company. "We feel these new capabilities, plus the synergies created by combining our technical resources, will be of great benefit to our customers."

Wiman Corporation President Peter Ploumidis said, "With this acquisition, we gain RTP Company's marketing and selling infrastructure and international capabilities, in addition to its unique material technologies."

Leading the way in the development of specialty films using PVC, Polyolefins and Polyurethane, Wiman serves a niche market for companies requiring specialty runs and products such as helmet liners - often in quantities far lower than the industry standards. The Wiman products are unique in their construction and abilities to formulate the plastic to the customers' needs.

RTP Company, headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, is a global leader in specialty thermoplastic compounding. The company has seven manufacturing plants on three continents, plus sales representatives throughout North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. RTP Company's engineers develop customized thermoplastic compounds in over 60 different engineering resin systems for applications requiring color, conductive, flame retardant, high temperature, shielding, structural, and wear resistant properties.