HZO

For the disease, see Herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

HZO

Industry	Thin film coatings
Headquarters	Raleigh, North Carolina , United States
Number of locations	Headquarters in Research Triangle Park. Additional Offices in Nyúl, Hungary and San Jose, CA. Centers of Excellence in Shenzhen, China and Bắc Ninh, Vietnam. 14 locations total.
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Parylene and Nanocoating protection for electronic devices
Services	Turnkey coating services
Website	hzo.com

HZO manufactures thin film coatings applied to devices during their assembly processes to protect electronics from damage caused by exposure to corrosive liquids. HZO headquarters are located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The company also has Centers of Excellence in Shenzhen, China and Bac Ninh, Vietnam. ^[1]

Background

HZO is funded through a combination of equity and debt financing. The company publicly unveiled its protective technology for electronics at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2012. ^[2] In 2013 and early 2014 the company expanded its corporate offices and production facilities worldwide to include locations in China, Japan and California. ^[3] The company also has several application partners throughout Asia with further expansion anticipated. HZO revenues increased by more than 90% in 2013 and the company expects continued growth in 2014 with a consequent increase in royalties. ^[4] The company’s tagline is “protection from the inside out.” ^[5]

Technology

HZO’s technology is applied directly to the circuitry of devices and components, creating a physical barrier that protects electronics against damage caused by water and other corrosive liquids, humidity, sweat, dust and debris. ^[6] HZO’s early customer base included medical, military, automotive and consumer markets. ^[7] Products implementing HZO technology include a Tag Heuer smartphone, along with a variety of wearable devices, which has helped secure HZO as a differentiating feature in wearable computing technology. ^[8] In 2013, the company unveiled enhancements to its proprietary equipment and machinery, and the company began mass manufacturing with an international brand on a wearable device.

References

1. "HZO Expands Global Manufacturing Footprint with First Vietnam Facility". Bloomberg.com. 16 April 2020.
2. Perry, Tekla (10 January 2012). "Tech Talk Geek Life Tools & Toys CES 2012: Waterproof Your Electronics Gizmos". IEEE Spectrum. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
3. "Nanotech Liquid and Corrosion Protection Technology Provider, HzO, Expands Operations to China". Azonano. 11 December 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
4. "Utah company HZO makes a splash in mobile electronics [Executive Appointments Monitor Worldwide] digg". TMC News.
5. "Nomination Title: HzO WaterBlock™: The future of liquid protection in consumer electronics". The International Stevie Awards. Archived from the original on 10 May 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
6. JAMISON, DOUGLAS (3 March 2014). "Harris & Harris Group Portfolio Company, HZO, Wins "Best of Show" at VCIR Winter Conference" (Press release). Globe Newswire. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
7. "How HZO's Tech Helps the Military". Bright Side of News. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
8. Pachal, Pete (9 January 2013). "HzO Makes Your Smartphone Waterproof... on the Inside". Mashable. Retrieved 15 April 2014.