FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts: Cindy Weinschreider Traci Schaefer

Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. TLS Communications, Inc.

847-678-2545, ext. 226 630-269-4567

cweinschreider@bretford.com tschaefer@tlscommunications.com

BRETFORD FIRST TO INTRODUCE MULTI-SURFACE ANTIMICROBIAL

FINISHES ON TABLES AND CARTS FOR LEARNING AND TRAINING

Microbe Barrier Technologies™ Antimicrobial Surface Protection Reduces

Growth of Bacteria, Mold, Mildew and Fungi by 99.99 Percent for the Life of the Product

CHICAGO – September 1, 2009 – Bretford Manufacturing, Inc., manufacturer of dependable furniture

products that improve how people work and learn, is the first to offer multi-surface antimicrobial finishes on

more than 50 different tables and carts for learning and training environments. Bretford’s new Microbe

Barrier Technologies™ antimicrobial surface protection reduces the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and

fungi by 99.99 percent for the life of the product. Available for order now, the Bretford tables and carts with

these finishes are intended to help prevent the spread of germs and contribute to the health and well-being of

children and adults.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 82 million students and staff are

returning to K-12 and higher education environments in the United States this fall. “There is heightened

concern about the spread of germs, especially this year with all the flu precautions,” said Mikel Briggs,

president of Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. “The time was right for us to do our part by providing an added line

of defense against sickness-related germs in schools and offices.”

Research at the University of Arizona has found that classrooms are some of the most germ-filled public

places. Teachers’ workspaces are more bacteria-laden than workspaces of other professions because of the

constant contact with children. This research also showed that every 60 seconds, a working adult touches as

many as 30 objects, and that surfaces play a role in the transmission of viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Bretford table with Microbe Barrier

Technologies antimicrobial surface protection

If these surfaces are not effectively cleaned, and then are touched by individuals, the transfer of disease-

causing microbes can begin, resulting in cross-contamination.

“Studies report that good hand hygiene and surface cleaning are still the number-one ways to reduce the

transfer of germs,” continued Briggs. “To complement these efforts, Bretford’s tables and carts with

antimicrobial multi-surface protection can help prevent the spread of additional germs, which is especially

important for schools and offices at this time”.

About Microbe Barrier Technologies Antimicrobial Surface Protection

Bretford’s Microbe Barrier Technologies are a blend of polymers and other substances that are coated onto the

tables and carts. These finishes do not change the physical or mechanical characteristics of the wood and metal

products. The coatings use either a physical or chemical reaction to prevent a disease-causing microbe – or

germ – from multiplying. Through extensive studies, these colorless, odorless finishes have been found to be

safe for people and effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi. According to the

standard methods AATCC Test Method 100 and JIS Z 2801, microbe population reductions of 99.99 percent

can be achieved.

Bretford Tables and Carts With Microbe Barrier Technologies

Currently, more than 50 different tables and carts are available with Microbe Barrier Technologies finishes.

Models from Bretford’s Connections Series work centers, Quattro Series classroom and activity tables and

RHOMBII Series training tables will have these coatings as well as brand new edges for a modern look. In

addition, models from the company’s laptop and technology cart lines will also have the new antimicrobial

surface protection.

Availability

Bretford’s tables and carts with Microbe Barrier Technologies are available for order now and will begin

shipping on October 1, 2009. For more information, please call 1-800-521-9614 or go to

www.bretford.com.

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About Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.

Bretford designs and manufactures dependable furniture products that are built to last for decades and are

created to improve how people work and learn. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Franklin Park, Ill.,

Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. holds more than six decades of expertise dedicated solely to the design and

manufacture of furniture solutions. With nearly 400 employees and 450,000 square feet of production space,

the company offers smart furniture designs that support evolving technology, enabling institutions,

organizations and corporations to increase productivity and efficiency. Bretford’s superior workmanship and

environmentally compliant manufacturing and operation practices ensure dependable products, many of which

are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®. Bretford products are backed by a 12-year standard

warranty and the industry’s best 20-year standard warranty on library furniture.