Alpha Pro Tech Introduces Disposable Shoe Cover To The Food Service Market

Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd., a Nogales, Ariz. manufacturer of disposable protective-apparel products for the medical, dental, industrial, and clean room markets, has expanded its manufacturing capability and introduced its Aqua Trak shoe cover to the food service and other new markets. This slip-resistant, non-skid shoe cover will benefit the food service and meat packing industries by reducing the number of slip and fall injuries. The polypropylene film-laminate shoe covers are skid-resistant on wet and smooth surfaces. The fluid-resistant covers are available in three colors: black for the restaurant and food service industries, and blue and white for medical and clean room functions.

"The National Safety Council estimates that the compensation of medical costs associated with accidents due to workers slipping and falling is approximately $70 billion annually," said Al Millar, President of Alpha Pro Tech Ltd., "and those claims account for roughly 85 percent of all worker accident claims in the hotel, restaurant, and related food service industries."

In April 1996, Alpha Pro Tech Ltd. signed a marketing and distribution agreement with Chicopee Inc., a leading distributor of sanitation and cleaning products to the food service industry. This past February, after a three-month evaluation study of the shoe cover at one of their operating units, Hardee's Food Systems, Inc. signed an agreement with Chicopee to utilize the Chix Aqua Trak Black shoe covers in the safety programs for their 3,500 operating locations. Chicopee expects initial orders of 250,000 from Hardee's, and has additional testing programs underway with other food service operators.

Dan Turman, Safety Consultant for Hardee's Food Systems Inc., said, "During the testing periods, the employees had no slips or falls when they were using Aqua Trak Black shoe covers, and the employees' reaction to the product was outstanding. The employees also appreciated the added benefit of their shoes remaining clean while wearing the product."

Last month, it was announced that Chicopee, Inc. had reached an agreement for a national listing with Sysco Corp., which has national warehousing and distribution operations.

For more information on Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd., contact Al or Donna Millar at 800-847-9725 or 905-479-0654.

By: Pam Ahlberg