Sommers Plastics Launches AgUARDIANTM, a Polymer Fabrics Line Featuring AgIONTM Antimicrobial Protection In collaboration with AgION Technologies, Sommers Plastic Products will provide bacterial resistant upholstery and wall covering applications to the healthcare and hospitality industries exclusively through distributor C F Stinson, Inc., of Rochester Hills, MI. 800 841 6279 Wakefield, MA - December 2, 2005 - Sommers Plastic Products Co., well known for innovative imitation leather and plastic products, has announced a new line of antimicrobial-treated materials - called 'AgUARDIANTM' - that will be used in interior design applications for healthcare and hospitality -hotel, restaurant, and resort facilities. The company's new alliance with AgION Technologies, Inc., has resulted in incorporating AgION's silver-based antimicrobial compound into plastic and synthetic leather materials used in upholstery and wall coverings. "This is a great opportunity to bring to the marketplace an antimicrobial version of our popular vinyl, plastic and polyurethane fabrics and materials that architects and interior designers can use in a variety of healthcare and contract hospitality settings," said Fred Schecter, vice president of Sommers Plastic Products Company, Inc. "We have had a recurring demand for products that provide antimicrobial protection, particularly from our material distributors who sell to the healthcare industry. We are aware that this industry needs to have products that provide a high degree of cleanliness and hygiene. Now with AgION, our materials provide state-of-the-art protection from bacterial contamination and growth - both very important concerns in healthcare facilities." Walter Sommers founded Sommers Plastic Products Company in 1947. The imitation leather and plastics company, headquartered in Clifton, N.J, was purchased by Herman Schecter in 1948 and has since been developing and selling a variety of high quality, innovative and economical vinyl to a wide range of industries including apparel, footwear, accessories, luggage and leather goods, home furnishings, wall coverings and upholstery. The company carries the widest range of in-stock plastic and man-made fabrics in the USA. Its newest development, 'AgUARDIANTM' with AgION antimicrobial protection, offers architects and designers a safe, durable, long-lasting material with protective surfaces that inhibit the growth of dangerous bacteria, mold, and fungus. "AgION Technologies and Sommers Plastic Products will enjoy a great partnership. We are excited that they have incorporated our antimicrobial technology into the products and materials used to furnish and decorate doctors' offices and waiting rooms, nursing homes, ambulatory and acute care facilities," said Ladd Greeno, president and chief executive officer of AgION Technologies, Inc. "AgION knows that controlling surface contamination and bacteria is always a priority for the health care industry and therefore using products containing our antimicrobial protection offers cleaner, safer surroundings. Our association with Sommers will extend the portfolio of AgION treated products offered to the healthcare industry and strengthen our presence in this important market segment." AgION Technologies, Inc. provides global industries with highly effective, safe antimicrobial solutions based on ionic silver that continuously inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and fungus on wide-ranging industrial and consumer products. The antimicrobial technology system is comprised of silver, an active ingredient that has been used for centuries as an antimicrobial agent. AgION bonds the silver with a ceramic material call zeolite, which acts as a delivery system. The result is a compound that provides continuous, controlled release of the silver over a long period of time that inhibits cell respiration and reproduction and interrupts cell metabolism. About AgION Technologies, Inc. AgION Technologies, located in Wakefield, Massachusetts, is a leader in providing engineered antimicrobial solutions based on ionic silver that continuously inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and fungus on a broad range of industrial, consumer and medical products. For more information about AgION Technologies Inc, contact Barry Green at +1-781-224-7100 or email bgreen@agion-tech.com.