Published: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008

Updated: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008

Quasar to expand in Manatee County

BRADENTON — Quasar Bio-tech Inc., which makes light therapy devices, announced Tuesday it will move its manufacturing operations to Manatee County.

The company moved its headquarters to Manatee from Valley Forge, Pa., in August but was using a vendor in Texas for manufacturing.

Quasar will move its manufacturing operations into its 2,500-square-foot office in the Airport Commerce Center on Tallevast Road and plans to add up to 24 employees.

The company’s products, which are sold online and at retailers such as Dillard’s, are used for skincare treatments such as acne, anti-aging and massage as well as hair loss.

Frank Kramer, vice president of operations and co-owner of Quasar Bio-tech, said affordability and workforce availability were key reasons for moving to Manatee County.

Gainesville-based orthopedic company Exactech pointed to the same reasons for opening a new manufacturing facility this month in Manatee County. Exatech’s Manatee plant at 7455 16th St. E. makes surgical instruments used to implant its joint-replacement devices.

“Florida really offers a lot of opportunities to deal with local suppliers,” Kramer said. “They seem to have a really good local supplier base.” Quasar will be working with local suppliers in packaging, electronics, injection molding plastic and injection molding tooling.

The Manatee Economic Development Council assisted Quasar with establishing its headquarters in Manatee County earlier this year. And last month, it helped Exactech open a new plant in Manatee.

“The leading-edge nature of Quasar Bio-tech’s technology and the growth potential of the company’s target market create the ideal combination for contributing to a more diverse economy in our community,” said Nancy Engle, executive director of the EDC.

Kramer said the company already is preparing for expanding its product line that could potentially result in more employment.

“We think that we’re going to grow with the release of some new products this (upcoming) year,” Kramer said.