Manatee Manufacturer Rolls Out New Orthodontic Product

DENTSPLY International, Inc. has come out with an orthodontic product that corrects minor tooth misalignments almost invisibly in as little as three to six months. Clear-Aligner is clear, lightweight and removable aligners that are custom made for each patient.

The publicly traded company has manufacturing and distribution operations in Manatee County through its acquisition of Glenroe Technologies of Bradenton and Raintree Essix of Metarie, LA. The conglomerate does business in Manatee as DENTSPLY Raintree Essix Glenroe.

According to Brad Clatt, general manager of the Manatee location, the acquisitions took place over several years and added 41 new jobs and capital investments of over $1.2 million. Its expansion increased the business' footprint when it leased a 16,000-square-foot space in Manatee County.

"From a raw material, labor, and resource perspective, Manatee was an attractive location to integrate the two businesses at the manufacturing facility here," says Clatt.

He also praises the county's EDC for its work on behalf of businesses like his. "They are targeting key industries, investing significant resources, and putting forth legislative efforts to not only make this an attractive area for international businesses, but also to support their local industries to thrive. Counties that are investing into our future are those that are worth investing into."

According to the EDC, Florida is home to the nation's second-largest medical device sector with more than 470 device manufacturers and hundreds more component manufacturers.

And Clatt likes the quality of life the Tampa Bay area provides. "The area offers a tremendous balance of the beach, contemporary dining, the arts, and being just a short drive away from the mainstream urban life in Tampa," he says. "There's nothing better than spending the day at the beach and catching a Ray's game later than night."

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Brad Clatt, DENTSPLY Raintree Essix Glenroe