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Publication: The Gazette; Date: Mar 25, 2006; Section: Business; Page Number: 46

MADE HERE
DOORKNOB AND FAUCET GRIPS
by Jim Bainbridge
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COMPANY: Great Grips Inc., 6545 White Falcon Court, Colorado Springs.

WHERE IT’S MADE: Manufactured by Moldrite Products Inc., at its 15,000-square-foot facility, 2442 Waynoka Road, Colorado Springs.

HOW IT’S MADE: Great Grips’ products are produced through an injection molding process. A thermal plastic elastomer mixture is processed through tubes under pressure and heat so it liquefies for pouring into a mold. After 45 seconds, the finished product drops out of the mold. In recent years, an antimicrobial compound from AgION Technologies has been added to the process to stop the growth of germs on the grips. Moldrite can produce more than 50,000 Great Grips per week, although typically the company will do a run of 3,000 to 5,000 units at a time.

HOW IT’S USED: Although designed primarily for arthritis sufferers, the elderly and people with disabilities, the doorknob and faucet knob grips may be found useful by anyone. Their contoured shape makes them easier to grip, and the molded protrusion makes it possible to open doors using your elbow or forearm. Great Grips also insulate against heat and cold.

BACKGROUND: Great Grips Inc., founded here in 1991, was a finalist for the "1999 Most Innovative New Colorado Product" award and received the "Caregiver Friendly Award" from Today’s Caregiver magazine in 2005. The company is operated by partners Pat Going and Ron Rubin of Colorado Springs and Bill Youmans of Centennial.

WEB SITE: www.greatgrips.com.

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