Defense Soap to expand, relocate

Since 2005, Defense Soap has provided athletes with hygienic supplies to combat skin infections and irritations like athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch.

“I was wondering why no one ever invented soap to prevent skin infections,” said Defense Soap owner Gus Sako on the creation of the business.

Sako also is a wrestling coach at St. Edward High School in Lakewood.

“Wrestlers have to get their skin checked, and they can’t wrestle with skin infections,” he said.

The family-owned and operated company, which originally developed soaps for wrestlers, now has gone international with distributors in Europe, Canada, China and Australia and sells shower gels, body wipes and many other skin care products in addition to soap bars.

Defense Soap products also are distributed to medical clinics to combat infections.

Move to Vermilion Defense Soap, located in Lakewood the past 10 years, received a tax abatement as a part of an enterprise zone agreement with Lorain County Commissioners to build a new facility and relocate to Vermilion, 3390 Liberty Ave.

The abatement will allow a 75 percent tax exemption for 10 years, according to a news release fro the commissioners’ office.

The agreement also calls for the company to add six new full-time jobs over a three-year period, as well as retain six full-time and two part-time employees after construction is complete.

Sako said the main reason for moving the company to Vermilion is need.

From its current 4,000-square-foot location, the company distributes as many as 35,000 bars of soap a month.

Including the other products Defense Soap provides, the company sees about 16,000 products leave its doors every week.

“It’s for demand,” Sako said. “We have no room anymore.”

The new facility will triple the company’s size to 12,406 square feet.

Sako also lives in Vermilion, which will leave his excursions to Lakewood for coaching six months out of the year.

The company’s products also have expanded in terms of use, he said.

Now with an acne line and upcoming medicated bar, Sako said those who travel often and suffer from skin infections also can use the products.

From its current 4,000-square-foot location, the company distributes as many as 35,000 bars of soap a month.

JORDANA JOY — MORNING JOURNAL Current street view of the new Defense Soap location at 3390 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion. The facility is scheduled to be completed by the end of July.