MEDIA RELEASE
PTX Performance Products Acquires Skate-Mate
Increases Presence in the Sports Industry
Jerseyville, On –Ontario based PTX Performance Products Inc., manufacturer
and worldwide distributor of specialized support and protective equipment,
apparel and accessories for the sports and apparel industries today acquired
Skate-Mate/HMF Enterprises of Newmarket Ontario, a leading accessory supplier
for hockey, figure skating and
recreational skating.
PTX President and CEO, Fred Nykamp says, “ This is a perfect fit for
both companies. Our Protex brand has a rich history based on the invention
of the original athletic support in Guelph in 1927 and Skate-Mate provides
innovative and complementary products for similar markets in Canada and
around the world. Combining our products and brands will mean a broader
selection of products, better pricing, and a more strategic use of the
family of brands, and distribution.”
Skate-Mate Founder and President, Brent Hotham says, “ This is a truly
great development for Skate-Mate and between the two companies, will allow
us to more aggressively develop new products in more categories and broaden
our distribution into new markets. This is a win-win for both companies
and most importantly, for our customers.”
Looking ahead, Nykamp says, “ We look forward to working with Mr. Hotham
at Skate-Mate to significantly grow the brands and businesses.”
“For now, both companies will continue to operate from their current Ontario
locations; PTX in Jerseyville and Skate-Mate in Newmarket,” says Nykamp.
He adds, “At some point these could be combined to increase efficiencies
and improve logistics and other business processes. We’ll announce details
as they develop.”
About PTX Performance Products Inc:
PTX Performance Inc. is the owner of the Protex, PTX, Slash Kuffs, PTXPro
brands and Licensee of TPS Hockey, which manufactures, and distributes
worldwide, specialized support and protective equipment, apparel and accessories
for the sports and apparel industries.
About Skate-Mate:
Skate-Mate was founded in 1988 with the invention of the original Skate-Mate
nylon mesh skate blade protector. Since then, the company has developed
an innovative line of products for hockey, recreational skating and figure
skating and enjoys a leading position in the marketplace in this category.
For more information
Contact:
Fred Nykamp
President, PTX Performance Products Inc.
Phone: (905) 648-3040
www.protex-ptx.com
and www.skate-mate.com
EVENTS
Upcoming Tradeshows:
Play it Again Sports Show
January 8 - 12 Montreal, Canada
Source for Sports Show
January 18 - 21 Hamilton, Canada
ISPO Winter Show
February 5 - 11 Munich, Germany
For information on any of the upcoming shows please contact us.
PRODUCT NEWS
Max Pro Ankle guards are all designed for your maximum protection when the player is on the on the ice. There are five designs and each design has its own use for different purposes depending on the player and his or her position.
The Max Pro Defender ankle guard is a lightweight design, molded with high density impact absorbing foam, ballistic nylon cover and impact resistant molded ankle cups. It has a flexible forefoot protector and lace through design to prevent side to side slippage. It is fastened with a velcro fastening strips for a secure and adjustable fit.
Max Pro Evolution combo guard has the same design and features as the Defender however has the added protection of an extended forefoot protector that extends to the back of the toe box.
Max Pro Genesis is a lightweight design, molded with high density impact absorbing foam and ballistic nylon cover. It also has the lace through design to prevent side to side slippage, and a velcro fastening for a secure and adjustable fit. There is no forefoot protection to allow forward foot flexibility.
Max Pro Deflector has a lightweight design, molded with high density impact absorbing foam and ballistic nylon cover. It has been designed to protect your instep when blocking a shot. The lace through design helps to prevent slippage. Also a velcro fastening strip for a secure and adjustable fit. The deflector is available to fit left or right.
Max Pro Fusion forefoot protector is designed for the forward position player who wants protection from pucks and sticks in the sensitive forefoot area but does not require the need for a full ankle protection. This product is flexible and lightweight; it has all the features of the ankle guards without the ankle protection. When used between the laces and tongue of the skate the fusion will prevent lace bite.
Odor and Moisture Eliminators, this product is designed to eliminate odor and absorb moisture. Unlike the competitor (clay desiccant), Skate Mate’s odor and moisture eliminator is made with 100% silica gel desiccant. It holds up to 45% of its own weight and can be regenerated easily (microwave for 3minutes, ready to use). Being able to regenerate this product allows you to use it for up to a year or more. Compared to the competitor using clay desiccant, which once the moisture is absorbed the product clumps up and is no longer useful. Odor and moisture eliminators are available in five colors. (Additional colors available upon request)
Eco- Fresh disc deodorizer is an easy way to keep all sports bag, lockers, cars, cupboards, closest ect. Eco-Fresh discs continue smelling fresh and it is an environmentally friendly product. This eco-friendly product comes in five different scents; tropical breezes, apple, very berry, spring fresh and fresh air.
Skate Mate Stick & Board Wax is also an eco-friendly product used on your blade or snowboard to minimize snow build up and ensure the durability of tape by repelling moisture.
SKATE MATE COMPANY PROFILE
The Skate Mate skate guard was developed in 1988 by a couple of hockey referees one of whom owned a sporting goods store. They knew there had to be a better skate guard than the old leather strap, terry cloth and plastic ones. The idea was to use a high tensile strength composite weave and a moisture absorbing inner layer for a skate guard. This guard, the Original Skate Mate, has proven to be durable and is still around today, although we have made many improvments. As our business grew, more and more of our retail dealers were asking us if we had other skate guard products as they were streamlining their sourcing and would like to purchase all their skate guards from us. After much thought and of course money, we have added the Skate Mate Polar Fleece Soaker and the Skate Mate Synthetics to our line up. This poses another problem. We needed space as my basement office was just crammed and my wife was getting upset that her rec room was being used a storage and packing facility. Well we moved into our own building and have never looked back.