John Saltamartine to Lead Operations as VR Laboratories' Chief Operating Officer

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla., Nov. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VR Laboratories LLC today announced the appointment of John Saltamartine as chief operating officer (COO). Saltamartine brings more than 40 years of management and executive experience at both privately and publicly-held companies, including several in health, wellness and consumer product industries. Most recently, Saltamartine led beverage manufacturing and distribution operations for NBTY Manufacturing & Distribution Florida Inc. NBTY is the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of nutritional health products, including products marketed by the Company's Nature's Bounty®, Vitamin World®, Puritan's Pride®, Holland & Barrett®, Rexall®, Sundown®, MET-Rx®, Worldwide Sport Nutrition®, American Health®, GNC (UK)®, DeTuinen®, LeNaturiste™, SISU®, Solgar®, Good 'n' Natural®, Home Health™, Julian Graves, Ester-C® and Natural Wealth brands.

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"John has enjoyed a stellar career in major company operations in the health and wellness industry and is a welcomed addition to the leadership team," says Jeff Kottkamp, CEO of VR Laboratories. "His innovative approach to operational problem-solving has created millions of dollars in revenue for other companies, and his natural leadership abilities and tireless work ethic will be a great asset for VR Laboratories."

In addition to leading manufacturing and distribution for NBTY Inc., Saltamartine's background in operations includes the role of executive vice president of operations at another food and beverage company with international distribution, where he led operations for more than six years. He began his career as an operations manager for a computer hardware company in 1971 and has held top level positions at multiple computer hardware and electronics companies over the years.

"I look forward to continuing my work in the rapidly growing nutritional supplement industry," says Saltamartine. "VR Laboratories is poised to become a leader in the global industry, and I'm excited to serve as a catalyst in its development."

About VR Laboratories

VR Laboratories is positioned to be the leading global formulator and producer of FDA-approved botanical pharmaceuticals and medicines and proprietary ingredients for medicinal and functional foods and beverages. The company utilizes the proprietary HerbalScience technology platform, which has fully developed more than 600 medicinal and functional ingredients.  Medicinal and functional foods and beverages are the fastest growing segments of the global food market. FDA-approved botanical pharmaceuticals, the newest segment of the global pharmaceutical industry, are estimated to achieve a Combined Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 600+ percent.  

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners approved financial incentives of $5 million for VR Laboratories in February 2011 based on the recommendation of The Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee County's Economic Development Office, and the company's commitment to creating 208 new, full-time jobs in Lee County over the next five years with average salaries of $66,850 plus benefits. The $5 million in county incentives is awarded from Lee County's Financial Incentives for Recruiting Strategic Targets (FIRST) initiative, a county fund created with $25 million in reserves to build Lee County's economy through diversification. VR Laboratories' anticipated economic impact in Lee County is in excess of $40 million per year upon project completion.

For more information, call 239-597-9878.

SOURCE VR Laboratories LLC