A Waukesha company that makes ultraviolet robotic disinfection systems has expanded its capacity to meet growing demand amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Surfacide, founded in 2010 by Gunner Lyslo, recently moved into a 75,000-square-foot building on Northmound Drive in Waukesha, where it could add as many as 50% to 100% more workers by the end of the year, Lyslo said.
The company experienced a 500% increase in sales in 2020 for its Helios Triple-Emitter System, which included international business, Lyslo said. Users of the systems are not only hospitals, nursing homes and health care facilities, but restaurants, hotels, gyms, commercial office spaces, tourist attractions and professional sports stadiums.
In total, the company's devices are actively being used in more than 500 indoor locations across the globe, including Children’s Wisconsin and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin. The fully automated, internet-connected system, designed in triangular configuration, includes an internet-connected touchscreen tablet that allows users to see real-time data on how the system is eradicating harmful bacteria and viruses, like the novel coronavirus.
Pre-pandemic, Surfacide, which is a combination of Surfacide LLC and Surfacide Manufacturing Inc., the entity that makes the robotic systems, had between 30 and 40 employees, Lyslo said. To meet demand for its systems in 2020, however, the company ramped up hiring and is now approaching 100 employees, he said. The company, which has operations in Mexico, Central America, Australia, the Middle East and United Kingdom, to name a few, will continue to hire for roles in accounting, information technology, engineering, software and sales, Lyslo said.
The company's new facility, which is nearly three times larger than its previous site, will continue to house the company’s manufacturing and distribution arm, as well as a global training center, a UV robot simulation room, conference rooms and offices.
“During the pandemic, we are fortunate to have grown our team and provide a proven UV-C technology that has tremendously impacted health care facilities, nursing homes, dental offices, and more in fighting the Covid-19 virus,” Lyslo said. “This year the importance of infection prevention has been paramount, and we expect to see that course continue in years to come."
