Access to Beachwood [Ohio] medical firms
leads to National Biological’s move
   based on article Jan 7,2007 By STAN BULLARD

National Biological, a maker of ultraviolet lamps used to treat skin diseases, plans to turn the lights back on this year at an empty industrial and office building at 23700 Mercantile Road in Beachwood.

Mark Friedman, National Biological president, said the company would benefit from reorganizing its offices and production areas in the Beachwood building because its current building in Twinsburg Township has been expanded several times.

The company’s principals also believe the Beachwood location will help National Biological gain more contact with other medical-related companies in Beachwood and nearby University Circle, Mr. Friedman said.

Through KOF LLC, National Biological’s three principals — CEO Kenneth Oif, chief technology officer Michael Kaufman and Mr. Friedman — on Jan. 19 purchased the building. The trio has owned the nearly 40-year-old company for three years.

National Biological initially will not occupy about 20,000 square feet in the building. That space has been offered for lease with Jim Wolf, president of Wolf Real Estate of Chagrin Falls. Mr. Wolf represented KOF in the purchase, and Simon Caplan, a Cresco broker, represented Magic American Corp. in the sale. Magic American, a maker of household solvents and adhesives, moved to leased space a year ago, Mr. Wolf said.

Tom Sudow, executive director of the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, which provides economic development consulting services to the city of Beachwood, said he was glad to see the building sell. He said Magic American upgraded the building substantially during the last 20 years.

National Biological produces ultraviolet lamps that doctors, clinics and hospitals use to treat severe skin diseases. A line of National Biological products for home use is sold by prescription.

Mr. Friedman said National Biological has had “double digit” sales growth each of the past three years, although he declined to disclose revenues because the company is private. He estimates about 15% of its sales are with foreign customers.

The new building will allow the company to expand it production facility for building phototherapy products that meet the highest standards in the industry as well as provide increased office and meeting space, and capitalize on both proximity and technology to work more closely with medical firms at its headquarters.