HUDSON, Wis./EWORLDWIRE/May 20, 2008 --- "The phrase, 'Infection Control,' is so very inadequate when used to summon up a vision of what the battle for life over death looks like, when someone contracts a new strain of drug-resistant illness," said Armor Healthcare CEO Robert (Bob) J. Simmons Jr. While the Centers for Disease Control recently published guidelines for MRSA and schools, Armor Healthcare is the first enterprise to emerge with a comprehensive turn-key program that transforms the traditional, at-hand wipes into a fully functional hygiene system with an extensive training component. The public, and increasingly parents of a single child - let alone, of five children like Bob Simmons - share heightened concern about treatement in the medical care environment and about exposure to drug-resistant bacteria in the school environment. Because Simmons has more than a handful of reasons why Armor Healthcare LLC must be a widespread requirement, he is passionate about the topic of infection control, and particularly in educational settings.
"School systems are largely uneducated about the spreading of bacteria and contamination, principals, teachers and custodians do not have access to adequate tools to effectively reduce the risk of infection. Since the CDC recently published guidelines for MRSA and schools, Armor Healthcare has emerged with a turn-key program. With IP and patents pending for our infection control system, Armor has moved into a market starved for this type of service. We are poised to play a vital role in protecting children, faculty and school districts, and in appeasing worries of parents in the community by confirming their school has an infection control protocol in place."
While Simmons will assume the strategic role as Armor Healthcare's chief executive officer, Brian K. Martin will take on the role of president.
Simmons background in the medical supply and related industries extends across twenty years with experience at large public companies and small private companies. Before Armor Healthcare, he led SMS Inc. as President and CEO, and for six years he was responsible for business operations including Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) for which he implemented national account sales forces, and facilitated national and regional contracts with hospital systems for several companies that included agreements with Premier, Novation, Amerinet, Consorta, HCA, Tenet/Broadlane and government entities.
Other past experience includes:
. Senior Vice President of Health Systems for Lintex Corp., establishing and maintaining high level strategic partnerships with distribution companies, hospitals and home health care agencies, and developing e-commerce strategy for customers' web-based technologies
. Vice President of National Accounts for American Health Products and WRP Corp.
. Management with Baxter Healthcare Corp. for several years with responsibilities for marketing in the Dietary Products Division and Hospital Supply Division, where he worked with key manufacturers, major product segments, new product development including marketing assessment, implementation and development of national accounts.
Simmons currently serves on two for-profit and one not-for-profit Board of Directors.
Martin's extensive industry work history includes senior management positions with:
. American Health Products Inc., providing barrier protection solutions to the healthcare, food service and industrial market
. WRP USA, a division of Malaysia’s number one OEM (Other Equipment Manufacturer) glove manufacturer
. Sage Products Inc. a medical device manufacturer which purchased BioSafety. BioSafety was a San Diego based healthcare safety company selling personal protection products.
Martin’s main focus at Armor Healthcare is directed to the sales and customer service side of the business. He will also be heavily involved in liaising with manufacturers to coordinate the operations and supply chain functions.
Armor Healthcare's product lines of private label medical gloves and infection control products command a higher profit margin than the typical exam gloves found in the general market today. Armor specializes in high risk, chemotherapy-rated, National Fire Protection Agency-tested medical grade gloves. Armor offers a full range of logistic services for delivery of containers from its overseas manufacturing partners. Martin commented, "Our services go well beyond the moving of containers - we are in the business of helping our distribution partners build their brand and increase their revenue through a range of sales, marketing, training and logistic services."
The exponential growth of interest in infection control products can be linked to news of potentially fatal diseases in recent years and/or caused the death of thousands of persons in the U.S. - SARS (Severely Acute Respiratory Syndrome), and secondary infections attributed to nearly 100,000 deaths in the U.S., and MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRSA (Vancomycin-resistant Saphylococcus aureus). Armor Healthcare is leading a drive into the educational/school market to deliver the products and services needed to block further spread in schools - where kids are supposed to be safe.
Over $2.2 million in new business has been booked this year by Armor Healthcare, and additional funding in return for equity from a solid strategic partner is being pursued.
Interested parties should contact Robert Simmons at 715-381-9868 or BSimmons@ArmorHealthcare.com
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