Infopia USA looks forward

TITUSVILLE, Fla.--Infopia USA has begun a multi-stage transformation that company officials hope will make it a bigger player in the diabetic supplies industry.

By the first quarter of 2009, Infopia plans to package and label diabetic supplies at a new 55,000-square-foot building here. Right now, the company imports containers of supplies ready for market from its South Korea-based partner, Infopia, and distributes them across the globe. 

Later this year, Infopia plans to begin assembling blood glucose monitors, and in 2010, it plans to begin manufacturing test strips.

“The main players in the industry, like Bayer, all have their manufacturing done in the United States,” said Bryan Sowards, CEO of Infopia USA. “Non-branded manufacturers, which typically import everything from overseas, grab a certain percentage of the marketplace, but we realize we need to do more to get to the next level.”

Infopia USA and Infopia became partners a few years ago. After “dating for a few years,” Sowards said, the two companies have decided to move forward with manufacturing in the United States.

Packaging and labeling products here will allow Infopia USA to more easily private label and co-brand products for customers, especially those with small orders, Sowards said.

“Where we're getting all of our products from overseas, it's a logistical nightmare: It takes 30 days of manufacturing and 30 days on the water, so we need to have a couple of months' inventory on hand at all times,” he said. “Now we'll be able to package and ship on demand.”

Additionally, by assembling and manufacturing supplies in the United States, Infopia USA and Infopia will increase efficiencies, Sowards said. Infopia USA will ship directly to North and South America and maybe Europe, and Infopia will ship to Asia.

Ultimately, Infopia USA hopes that having a manufacturing presence in the United States, especially for supplies like date-sensitive test strips, will make the company a more attractive option for managed care companies and other insurers, Sowards said.