ELKTON, Md./USA (April 2025) —  W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (“Gore”), a global materials science company, recently announced that it has acquired commercial capabilities in expanded polyethylene (ePE) to complement its membrane technologies.

Gore Heerlen B.V., Netherlands, is a new capability center for Gore PharmBIO with more than 30 years of experience in Solupor^® Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMwPE) membranes. The UHMwPE membranes can be customized to specific customer needs including key features such as thickness, pore size, permeability and tensile strength. With this acquisition, Gore PharmBIO aims to continue expanding its portfolio with innovation-driven products designed for high performance, safety,  reliability and productivity, while enabling life-improving medical device, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing for our customers.

Commenting on the transition, Wolfgang Hohma, business unit leader in PharmBIO, stated, “We strongly believe that the Heerlen operations will play a vital role in expanding our new material offerings and achieving our business objectives. This integration will not only drive revenue growth but also reinforce Gore’s commitment to continuous innovation for our customers and the people they serve.”

Peter de Wit, Gore Heerlen B.V. plant leader, added, “We are excited about the opportunities presented by joining Gore PharmBIO. Along with enhancing our ePE capabilities, we are looking forward to leverage synergies from the accumulated knowledge of both entities in delivering innovative solutions to our customers.”

The business expansion is expected to yield significant strategic benefits beyond enhanced capabilities, including additional manufacturing capacity, accelerated growth in key market segments – Life Sciences Venting and Bioprocessing -, and continued material supply for development projects. 

W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With approximately 13,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5 billion.
gore.com

Wolfgang Hohma 
W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
Germany
+49 8946122723
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Peter de Wit
Gore Heerlen B.V.
Netherlands
+32 45 75 15 237
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Ernesto Sosa 
W. L. Gore & Associates 
U.S.A.
+1 4105065587
Contact by email