ThyssenKrupp’s AIN Plastics Division Delivers Orthotics and Prosthetics Materials to Keep Vets Active
Each day, more than 500 Americans lose a limb, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Amputee Coalition. Additionally, the U.S. Veteran’s Administration calculates the total number of veterans using its services for prosthetics, sensory aids and related issues has increased by more than 70 percent since 2000. ThyssenKrupp’s AIN Plastics Division has realized significant success in serving the very specialized Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) market.
ThyssenKrupp Materials NA, Inc.’s AIN Plastics Division is a leading full-line distributor and fabricator of engineering plastics. Its O&P team has distributed specialized materials used in orthotics, prosthetics and medical braces. The AIN Plastics O&P team makes pre-cut and customized plastic materials readily available to O&P facilities.
“As hundreds of soldiers return to civilian life, it’s more important than ever to deliver products to enable our veterans to regain their active lives,” said Scott Moore, leader of ThyssenKrupp’s AIN Plastics O&P team. “At AIN Plastics, we distinguish ourselves by making available a wide range of O&P materials – many of which are made specifically for the O&P industry – with consistent, high-quality levels and industry-leading product labeling.”
One example of these specially made products is AINFlex, a soft plastic material practioners use to make a liner amputees wear between their prosthetic and their skin. It helps make wearing a prosthetic more comfortable by providing cushioning between the skin and the prosthetic. AINFlex, introduced to the market in 2013, is sold only by ThyssenKrupp’s AIN Plastics Division.
Many O&P facilities are run by small staffs who build customized orthotics and prosthetics from plastic sheets they receive from distributors, such as AIN Plastics. Since the orthotics and prosthetics they produce are customized to provide an exact fit for every person, facilities must balance inventory costs with having the right materials readily available. In order to help reduce inventory carrying costs, AIN Plastics ships materials within 24 hours.
“As highly skilled professionals, O&P practitioners must be very precise in every detail of the devices they create for their patients. We take pride in providing them with innovative products on which they can rely time and time again,” said Moore. “The AIN Plastics O&P program combines decades of proven technical expertise in engineering plastic product solutions with ThyssenKrupp Materials long standing reputation as a leading supplier of nonferrous metals, specialty alloys and stainless steel products.”
Kellie Harris
Director, Media and Communications
ThyssenKrupp North America, Inc.
Phone: 1 (312) 525-2790
E-mail: kellie.harris@thyssenkrupp.com
About ThyssenKrupp AIN Plastics
AIN Plastics is a leading full line distributor and fabricator of industrial plastic shapes, adhesive products, rapid prototyping materials and high pressure laminate, specializing in engineering plastics for the fabricator and OEM communities. It is a division of ThyssenKrupp Materials NA, Inc., a leading North American provider of production materials and integrated service solutions.
ThyssenKrupp is a diversified technology and materials group based in Essen, Germany. In fiscal year 2011/2012 ThyssenKrupp generated sales of more than €8.3 billion (approximately $11 billion) in North America and employed more than 20,000 people. ThyssenKrupp companies offer a range of products including: high-performance alloys, automotive components, elevators, escalators, material trading, handling and logistics, plant construction and industrial services. For additional information about ThyssenKrupp North America, Inc., vist www.thyssenkrupp.com.
Tags: