Alpha Pro Tech Ltd. signs expanded agreement with VWR Scientific Products; five-year sales potential of $25 million

Business Wire, Sept 25, 1996

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 1996--Alpha Pro Tech Ltd. (OTC Bulletin Board:APTD) announced today that it has signed an amended exclusive five-year distribution agreement with VWR Scientific Products Corp. (NASDAQ/NMS:VWRX).

VWR is a principal supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals and supplies to the scientific marketplace worldwide.

In order to maintain the worldwide exclusive right to market APTD's extensive product line of medical and clean room protective wear, VWR must purchase $5 million of product annually from APTD through the five years ending Aug. 14, 2001.

VWR in 1995 acquired the Industrial and Life Sciences division of Baxter International. Since 1992, first as Baxter and now as VWR Critical Environment Solutions, they have been the leading supplier of products to manufacturers operating in clean room and controlled environments.

VWR, which reported 1995 sales of $718 million, will supply Alpha's lines of face masks, eye shields and protective apparel to the pharmaceutical, chemical, electronic and biotechnology industries.

Commenting on the amended agreement, Al Millar, president of Alpha Pro Tech, noted: "We are extremely pleased to ally ourselves with the established strength of VWR Scientific Products in marketing to a worldwide network of over 130,000 customers."

Alpha Pro Tech develops, manufactures and markets innovative disposable protective apparel products for the medical, dental, food service and clean room markets. The company has manufacturing facilities in Salt Lake City; Nogales, Ariz.; Janesville, Wis.; Valdosta, Ga.; and Benjamin Hill and Nogales, Mexico.

This press release contains forward looking statements. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected. Additional information concerning factors that could influence future results is contained in Alpha Pro Tech's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the company.

CONTACT: Alpha Pro Tech

Al Millar or Donna Millar, 905/479-0654