Beaverton, Oregon
February 26, 2007
Unique superabsorbent soil
amendment now available from leading distributor
Absorbent Technologies, Inc.
(ATI) and Wilbur-Ellis
Company announced today the signing of an agreement that
provides Wilbur-Ellis marketing rights to ATI's patented Zebaź
brand starch-based hydropolymer throughout Idaho, Oregon,
Washington, and Utah.
Developed from natural cornstarch, Zeba is the first
starch-based soil amendment available specifically for improved
turf establishment and the production of field crops including
potatoes, tree fruit and vines. The small Zeba granules work
below the soil surface similar to a sponge, absorbing and
releasing water to plant roots as needed, and making more
efficient use of water in the soil. With reduced moisture
stress, plants produce higher yields and better quality crops.
"We welcome the opportunity to introduce the Zeba technology to
our customers," says Bob Eccles, Branded Products Manager for
Wilbur-Ellis. "Zeba helps define our goal of providing the most
advanced plant-production technology."
Wilbur-Ellis is a leading marketer and distributor of green
industry and industrial products both nationally and
internationally. Their markets include agriculture, golf,
landscape, nursery/greenhouse, vegetation management and seed
treatments, providing customers with the most advanced
production technology.
"Wilbur-Ellis and Zeba make a great partnership," says Gary
Olson, Vice President Sales, Zeba. "Wilbur-Ellis has a well
deserved reputation as a leading distributor with the most
innovative technology. Our Zeba brand fits right in, as our
patented technology is the only starch-based polymer designed
specifically for applications in agriculture and horticulture."
Zeba was recently spotlighted as the Turfcare Product of the
Year in the United Kingdom and is marketed internationally,
including Canada, Mexico, Australia, and South Africa.
About Absorbent Technologies, Inc.
Absorbent Technologies, Inc. (ATI), based in Beaverton, Ore., is
the world leader in the development and manufacturing of
starch-based superabsorbent products that are specifically
optimized for improving the quality and yield of plants.
The company's patented Zebaź branded products repeatedly hold
and release water in the root zone, reducing moisture stress in
plants. By creating a more favorable growing environment, Zeba
also improves stand establishment and plant consistency. The
company's products are sold for commercial agricultural
production, turf and ornamentals, reforestation, seed coating,
and at retail to lawn and garden enthusiasts.
The foundation for Zeba's technology was created initially by
the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers
and has been further developed by ATI through its patents. The
company maintains two exclusive Cooperative Research and
Development Agreements with the USDA for ongoing advancements in
starch-based technologies. ATI began large-scale commercial
manufacturing of Zeba in 2004 at company-owned facilities in
Albany, Ore. For more information, please visit the company's
web site at www.zeba.com.
About Wilbur-Ellis Company
Founded in 1921, Wilbur-Ellis is a privately held business
headquartered in San Francisco, CA. The company specializes in
the marketing, distribution and formulation of crop protection
products, fertilizers and seed; the importing and exporting of
specialty chemicals; and the marketing and distribution of
animal feed throughout the U.S., Canada and the Pacific Rim. The
combined businesses recorded sales exceeding $1.6 billion in
2005. For more information, please visit the company's web site
at www.wilburellis.com.
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