Kegel Rolls Out Pet Cleaning Product

Bowling manufacturer Kegel, whose original headquarters was in Highlands County for more than 20 years, has launched a new product that is making its debut at a Sebring pet store.

Although its business is still primarily bowling supplies, Kegel is expanding into the pet business with a cleaning product called FIZZION. It is designed to fight stains and odors on rugs, carpets, and other hard surfaces.

A press release states "it has a unique tablet that is activated by just adding water to release the powerful CO2 formula that kills the bacteria in stains and odors."

FIZZION is being manufactured and distributed from Kegel's facility in Lake Wales, said Jeff Rimer, who handles sales for the product.

Rimer said the idea for FIZZION came from Kegel chemist Dennis Shiers, who lives in Sebring and wanted to create something for his personal use because he had white carpeting in his house and owned two dogs. Rimer noted that Shiers wanted to make a stain cleaner that would be easy to use and not rely on harsh chemicals.

According to the release, Arcade Pet Stop on U.S. 27. is the first store in Highlands to carry the product. Store owner Paul Antone said he does have it in stock.

"It's good stuff; it works," Antone said.

Antone said Kegel might have selected his store to introduce the product locally because he does sell off-market stain removers.

Rimer said 20 stores in Florida are carrying it. He added that five distributors have picked up the product.

Rimer attended his first trade show in Orlando last month and will be going to another trade show in Baltimore this week.

"We're very pleased with the results," he said.

Kegel opened its headquarters in Sebring in 1981. The company moved to Lake Wales in 2003.