WIX Filtration Corp. to Add BioShield® 75 Antimicrobial Finish to Cabin Air Filters

Tuesday, 31 October 2006

WIX Filtration Corp. announced today an exclusive agreement with Indusco, Ltd. of Greensboro, N.C. to include BioShield® 75, a patented technology that provides an invisible layer of protection against odor-causing bacteria, fungi and algae, in WIX’s industry-leading line of cabin air filters.

“Cabin air filters for light and heavy-duty vehicles capture contaminants such as soot, dirt and pollen, as well as dangerous airborne gases and odors,” said Bruce Johnston, brand manager, WIX Filters. “Our exclusive relationship with BioShield 75 technology will assure that WIX Filters offers added protection against those harmful particles and other microbial growth.”

WIX Filters will begin featuring the EPA-approved BioShield 75 finish in its cabin air filters in early 2007. BioShield 75, introduced two years ago, has been utilized in the medical, hospitality, health club, and athletics industries because of its proven effectiveness and durability. Once applied, BioShield 75’s invisible microbiostatic coating becomes part of the filter fiber, polymerizing and standing up like spikes – 1,000 spikes of protection per the width of a hair – to eliminate microbials. In addition to effectively inhibiting the growth of mold, mildew, algae and bacteria, BioShield 75 protects against microbial deterioration, discoloration and odor.

Because of its ability to withstand temperatures up to 360 degrees, BioShield 75 is an ideal addition to WIX Filters cabin air filters, which are positioned in the hot environment adjacent to car and truck engines.

“BioShield 75 provides protection against the build-up of microbial agents – such as mildew, mold and fungi – that are known to aggravate allergies,” said Joe Mason, president of Indusco, Ltd. “When applied to cabin air filters, BioShield 75 traps harmful microbes in the filter medium and reduces the opportunity for those microbes to be released into the air breathed by automobile occupants.”

As the concern over air pollution and its impact on drivers and passengers has grown in recent years, the number of cars and trucks with cabin air filtration systems has increased steadily, and many of these vehicles carry filters designed and manufactured by WIX Filters. Using advanced filter media innovations, WIX offers a full line of high-efficiency cabin air filters for passenger cars, light trucks, heavy trucks and buses, and off-highway vehicles. A one year or 15,000 mile change interval is recommended by most manufacturers; however, users should follow the guidelines in their owner’s manual.

“Combining BioShield 75 antimicrobial technology with our WIX Filters cabin air filters is another example of our continuing commitment to provide our customers with innovative, solutions-driven products,” Johnston said.

Since 1939, WIX Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks and off-road equipment. WIX, a member of the Affinia family of brands, is the number one filter in NASCAR and an exclusive NASCAR Performance Product. Its NASCAR relationship also includes the WIX Filters Lap Leader Award, which recognizes the drivers leading the most laps in each race. WIX Filters’ Internet address is www.wixfilters.com.

IndusCo, Ltd., located in Greensboro, NC is a certified ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer of over 350 different products. Using strict manufacturing and quality control procedures all incoming raw materials are tested, monitored and carefully weighed. This precise scrutiny enables IndusCo, Ltd. to manufacture and ship consistently high quality products.