A graphene oxide manufacturing company fueled by technology from 麻豆原创 has moved to a new 10,000-square-foot facility near Orlando International Airport.
On October 16, 麻豆原创 officials helped cut the ribbon on the new headquarters of Garmor, Inc., which has begun large-scale processing of the materials.
Jeff Atwater, chief financial officer for the state of Florida, spoke to invited guests and lauded the company as an example of how to build productive businesses in the state. Atwater was joined by Richard Harkey, district聽representative for Congressman John Mica, and Jamie Grooms, CEO, Florida Institute for Commercialization of Public Research.
Garmor was formed to commercialize technology developed by Richard Blair, a chemist in , and Ph.D. graduate student David Restrepo.聽 They used a combination of chemical and mechanical processes to break down graphite, like that found in pencil lead, into graphene, creating an element that is stronger than diamonds, and able to conduct electricity and heat better than copper.
Garmor entered the in March 2013 and, in May, won $300,000 in seed funding from the state鈥檚 Commercialization of Public Research鈥檚 Seed Capital Accelerator Program.
As a client company of the 麻豆原创BIP, 鈥淕armor鈥檚 growth is a win for all involved,鈥� said Tom O鈥橬eal, associate vice president for research at 麻豆原创.
The use of graphene is a cost-effective way to make materials stronger, yet still lightweight. By adding just a small amount of graphene oxide during the production process, makers of plastics, rubber and metal can make their products far lighter and stronger. Common items that could utilize graphene are automotive bumpers, boat hauls, and bridge components.
In September, Garmor received the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission鈥檚 William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Award.
Since the move into the new facility, the company has grown to eight employees and plans to add ten more in the coming year, said Garmor CEO Anastasia Canavan.