Antimicrobial Technologies Group (ATG) announces they had a successful series of meetings in Winston-Salem as they reviewed several potential sites for establishment of their textile manufacturing and finishing needs. ATG has developed products that provide infection protection and odor control at the highest level of safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness for anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-odor fabrics, fibers, plastics and paints.
Mark Fulk of Meridian Realty Group and Stan Cruitt of Grande Peak Technologies hosted Simon and members of his management team for their visit to the area.
According to Johnston the Winston-Salem and surrounding area has potential to satisfy ATG's needs. "Mark and his team presented many attractive facilities to us for review and we do see a good fit," says Johnston. "Although initially we may need a 100,000 square foot facility, our products are of such a scale that within a few years we could grow out of that space. We are very interested in creative thinking with regard to the RJR Whitaker plant."
According to Stan Cruitt of Grande Peak Technologies, a specialty healthcare marketing company, the market potential for ATG's products is significant and the capacity to utilize a plant the size of the Whitaker facility is not just a dream. "There are five very large textile related markets where ATG products can make a difference and gain substantial market share. The first is the hospitality and home linen market for sheets and pillow cases. Hotels and motels that provide odor free, bacteria free linens, which may also be prophylactic against bedbugs, will generate considerable demand and market presence. The second is the hospital specialty market which includes masks, scrubs, towels and linens," Cruitt continues. "With more than 6,000 hospitals and 35 million patient discharges annually, the potential for high market share is driven by cost savings that hospitals can achieve. The third is the diabetic market for foot ulcer prevention. Nearly 23 million people in the US have diabetes and ATG's socks for diabetics can help prevent the infections that often lead to slow healing wounds, and even amputations. No other product is available in US healthcare that provides continued control of the bacteria and fungi that lead to these problems. The fourth major market is the military for the supply of antimicrobial and antifungal socks and underwear. And lastly, the fifth is the sportswear market for sport bras, sport socks and more. Odor control, antibacterial, and antifungal are features that consumers will pay for."
"We are enthusiastic about the possibilities and are looking forward to pulling together the necessary partners for creative planning," says Fulk. "The opportunity that ATG brings could make Winston-Salem a primary incubator for specialty and medical textile manufacturing in the US and a major contributor for new jobs in our city. We believe ATG has the technology to back up the vision Simon Johnston has for his company."
Johnston adds, "All of our products have the potential for international distribution which could lead to substantial exports from our North Carolina facility. Our technology is lower cost than other antimicrobials and longer lasting due to the re-chargeability feature. We prefer to manage all finishing and dying in the US but we're also looking into the possibility of including the cutting, weaving, sewing in the facility for some of our more specialized products."
About Antimicrobial Technologies Group: ATG has developed a number of patent pending and proprietary technologies that provide low cost, long-acting antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral protections to a wide range of products including textiles for healthcare, sportswear, consumer, hospitality and other markets. Contact ATG at 425-891-9151.
About Grande Peak Technologies: Grande Peak is a healthcare marketing specialty company focused on launching new technologies into health markets. Contact Grande Peak at 336-414-9035.
About Meridian Realty Group: Meridian is a full-service commercial and industrial brokerage and management company based in Winston-Salem. Contact Meridian at 336-722-1986.
