Miller Acro with Microban(r) antimicrobial product protection inhibits the growth of stain- and odor-causing mold, mildew and bacteria growth, keeping homes and buildings cleaner.



Miller Paint Co. Inc. has launched a new line of interior paint that incorporates the nationally renowned Microban antimicrobial product protection that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew that can cause stains and odors on the dried paint film.

This paint is the first that features Microban antimicrobial product protection introduced in the Northwest, and will be sold exclusively at Miller Paint locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. The product is currently available in Miller Paint retail stores in the Portland metro area, southern Oregon and Washington.

The new line of "Acro with Microban protection" represents a breakthrough in paint technology by providing all the characteristics of Miller's high-quality paint with zero VOCs, low odor, and resistance to bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause degradation of the paint film.

"In the last few years, we've seen an increasing number of cases in which mildew and molds have been named the leading cause for school and building closures, resulting in a heightened awareness and a larger demand for products that inhibit the growth of these microbes," said Steve Dearborn, Miller Paint president and CEO. "As the exclusive Northwest manufacturer of Acro with Microban protection, Miller Paint is excited to be the first to provide antimicrobial protection to help create a cleaner environment that Northwest consumers and commercial building owners desire."

Microban provides continuous protection against stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the dried paint film. It is ideal for:

• Hospitals,
  
• Nursing homes,
  
• Schools
  
• Daycare centers,
  
• Laboratories,
  
• Commercial housing,
  
• Public or private restrooms, or
  
• Anywhere you'd prefer the added protection of an antimicrobial.

Mold and mildew are simple, microscopic organisms that can grow virtually anywhere and can be extremely destructive to the dried paint film - causing staining, decomposition and objectionable musty odors. Spores of dozens of kinds of molds and mildew are present at all times in indoor and outdoor air. These spores can settle, germinate and grow wherever good growth conditions are found.

Built-in antimicrobial protection provides consistent and proven effectiveness against microbes that cause stains, odors and product deterioration.

Microban antimicrobial protection has been incorporated in an array of products, including shopping carts, cutting boards, kitchen utensils, sinks, tubs, footwear and textiles. Microban product protection is designed as an integral part of a product's molecular structure, which means that the protection will not wash or rub off and lasts the life of the product.

From the Beginning

It all started with a phone call. W.L. Morrison thought he was simply returning a routine call to a physician who was looking for help designing a system to keep disposable medical products clean and fresh longer. As they talked about infection control in the medical environment, the M.I.T.-trained entrepreneur noticed the telephone receiver in his hand and thought of the potential for contamination on the average public pay phone and how it might be controlled. This one question led to the development of the first truly antimicrobial polymeric products for both medical and consumer applications.

Over the years, Morrison's original concepts have undergone significant refinement and have made the transition from the laboratory to the "real world," thanks to an experienced team of professionals with the resources to make dreams a reality.

Morrison's dream became reality with the formation of the Microban Products Co. Microban Products received its commercial start from Clinitex Corp., founded by Glenn Cueman, Barnell Ramsey and Henry Richbourg in 1987. Clinitex produced orthopedic devices and specialty medical products, many of which incorporated Microban technology, which was based on the original work by W.L. Morrison.

With a background in global biomedical product development from their days at the Zimmer Division of Bristol-Myers, these three entrepreneurs saw the potential to incorporate safe, long-lasting and effective antimicrobial ingredients into products other than medical devices.

Since 1987, Microban Products has made the concept of antimicrobial polymers, coatings and end-use products a practical and affordable enhancement for a variety of industries and markets. Proprietary processes, numerous patents and regulatory registrations protect these technologies. Through the use of this proprietary technology, Microban antimicrobial protection can be incorporated into a wide variety of consumer, industrial and medical products to provide continuous, safe and effective protection against a broad spectrum of bacteria, mold, mildew, fungus and yeast.

In 1994, another group of entrepreneurs led by William S. Rubinstein formed Microban International Ltd. as a privately held corporation to distribute and license Microban antimicrobial compounds and technology to a range of customers outside the United States. Both businesses continued to grow rapidly, and it became apparent that combining the two entities would lead to the world's first global branded antimicrobial company. In late 1999, Microban International, with the backing of outside venture capital investors, purchased Microban Products Co.

The Company Today

Today, Microban International is headquartered in New York City, where its executive team is based and has employees around the globe. Microban Products Co., now a wholly owned subsidiary of Microban International Ltd., is located near Charlotte, NC, and serves as the global headquarters for R&D, manufacturing, distribution, accounting, IT and operations.

Microban (Americas), a division of Microban Products Co. located in North Carolina, serves as the regional headquarters for sales and marketing in North and South America. Microban International's regional headquarters for Europe is Microban (Europe) Ltd., located near London in the United Kingdom. Microban (Asia) Limited, based in Bangkok, Thailand, serves as Microban International's regional headquarters for Asia/Pacific. Additionally, MBI has established offices with sales, marketing and technical support personnel in Sydney/Australia, Paris/France, Wiesbaden/Germany and Mexico City/Mexico.

The combination of its patents, proprietary technology and significant brand-building efforts worldwide as well as the successes of its licensees, uniquely positions Microban International as the leader in providing built-in antimicrobial protection that lasts for the life of the product.

The Microban Built-In Protection Business

The company promotes the sale of Microban antimicrobial compounds and the Microban brand worldwide by entering into co-branding license agreements with manufacturers of branded products, retailers offering their own private- label products incorporating Microban antimicrobial protection or entities (such as restaurants, hotels, etc.) offering Microban protected environments to their customers.

Worldwide, MBI has licensed more than 130 companies - including such brands as Rubbermaid, Johnson & Johnson, Sainsbury's, Farberware, Fruit of the Loom, Hobart food slicers and Holmes humidifiers - who have incorporated Microban antimicrobial protection into more than 450 products, including kitchen and bath products, apparel and home textiles, children's products, cleaning supplies and industrial and medical products.

Microban International is building a recognized consumer and industrial brand name through its relationships with its customers, as well as its own advertising and marketing. The combination of this unique technology and marketing strategy differentiates products with Microban Built-In Protection in the marketplace.

About Microban

Microban International Ltd. is an innovative, global technology and marketing company dedicated to enhancing high-quality products with branded, built-in protection from microbes. Microban International licenses the Microban(r) global brand name, engineers customized compounds, and provides customers a range of services, including regulatory, marketing, and quality-verification support.

The Microban brand promise is continuous, safe and durable antimicrobial product protection built-in during the manufacturing process to last for the useful life of the product.

About Miller Paint

Miller Paint Co. is an employee-owned, Northwest-dedicated premier paint manufacturer. Located in Portland, OR, Miller has been making high-quality paint engineered to perform to the exact standards of the Northwest climate for more than 112 years. Miller Paint is known for its expansive offering of quality architectural paint and expert knowledge in handling almost any painting project, whether commercial or residential. Miller Paint has 20 store locations throughout Oregon and Washington, and numerous dealer locations, including several Fred Meyer stores. For further information or a list of locations, visit www.millerpaint.com.