History of TRA

World leaders in antimicrobial protection

Corporate Offices

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Thomson Research Associates (TRA) has grown to become a global leader in the field of antibacterial, antifungal and anti dust mite treatments. Today, TRA treatments guarantee excellence in antimicrobial protection over a wide range of applications, including textiles, plastics, foams, coatings and rubber-based materials.

TRA combines strong global relationships with established brands and dedicated marketing teams. Users around the world benefit from the services of specialized Microbiology, Chemistry and Application Testing laboratories, accessed through local distributors.

In 2005 Thomson Research Associates (TRA) celebrated 50 years as a company developing and marketing antimicrobial treatments for industry. When TRA was founded in Toronto, Canada in 1955 by Andy Thomson, it was part of the Harvey Woods knitwear group. Our products were used almost entirely on the well-known Harvey Woods brand of underwear and socks. In 1990 Thomson became a separate company specializing in antimicrobials for the textile and polymer industries.

Since then, TRA has grown exponentially in both personnel and sales. The product line is now much broader, with treatments for an ever widening variety of applications.

The geographical reach has also grown. From a company whose sales were originally confined for the most part to North America, TRA now sells in over forty countries. We have a worldwide network of distributors with significant business in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, China, India, Pakistan, Brazil and Mexico.

The Ultra-Fresh brand has grown to the point that its promise of performance and durability is recognized around the world.

Early in 2007 TRA and Huntsman Textile Effects of Basel, Switzerland, announced that the two companies will work together to develop and market a new antibacterial technology.

Silpure, a breakthrough in the use of silver-based antimicrobials for the textile industry, had been launched in 2005 by TRA. The partnership continues to provide proactive support for Silpure users in all major markets of the world. Silpure is just one example of what lies ahead for TRA – the introduction of new generations of antimicrobials based on new chemistries with even higher performance. As manufacturing centers move away from Europe and North America, we expect to be selling more and more of our products in global markets, although the end-consumer will often still be in the west.

In order to develop this business we will establish and maintain strong working partnerships with manufacturers, importers, designers and retailers in our quest to offer a full range of solutions to fill the need for antimicrobial protection.

Ultra-Fresh products are sold globally, but not all the information on this web site may apply in all countries. Local legal requirements may limit which Ultra-Fresh products are available, how they may be used and what claims may be made for our products and for treated articles. If you have questions about requirements in your country or in the countries where your treated articles may be sold please contact Thomson Research Associates for assistance. Ultra-Fresh products should be distributed, sold and used only in accordance with government regulations and the specifications on their labels.