Kirkman Labs

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Kirkman (also known as Kirkman Labs or Kirkman Group) is a pioneering nutritional supplement manufacturer founded in 1949 in Seattle, Washington. The company is widely recognized as one of the oldest supplement companies serving the autism and special needs community, with over 75 years of experience in developing hypoallergenic formulations.

Company Overview

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• Founded: 1949 in Seattle, Washington by Lyle Wellman and Bill Graham
• Headquarters: Lake Oswego, Oregon (6400 SW Rosewood Street)
• Employees: ~42
• Products: 400+ formulations
• DSLD Products: 436

History

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Founding Era (1949-1967)

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Kirkman was established in 1949 by two pharmacists, Lyle Wellman and Bill Graham, who recognized that a growing number of people’s dietary needs were not being met by existing products.

The Bachman Era (1967-1982)

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In 1967, entrepreneur Stan Bachman acquired the company and relocated operations to Portland, Oregon. That same year, renowned researcher Dr. Bernard Rimland contacted Kirkman to manufacture Super Nu-Thera, a specialized multivitamin with high vitamin B6 and magnesium content designed for children with autism. This collaboration put Kirkman on the path to becoming the leading supplement provider for the autism community.

The Humphrey Era (1982-2019)

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When Bachman retired in 1982, he sold Kirkman to Ken and Helen Humphrey. Under their leadership, David Humphrey co-founded the Autism Treatment Network (now Autism Speaks) and the Autism Coalition for Treatment.

Hemptown/Functional Brands Era (2019-Present)

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In July 2019, Hemptown Organics Corp. acquired Kirkman Group for $5 million. The acquisition included the 25,000 sq ft FDA-licensed, cGMP-certified manufacturing facility. In May 2023, corporate restructuring placed Kirkman under Functional Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: MEHA), where it remains the primary revenue-generating segment.

Key Products & Trademarks

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• Super Nu-Thera - Flagship multivitamin since 1967
• Biofilm Defense - Digestive enzyme formula
• Ultra Tested - Premium product line with enhanced purity testing (launched 2011)
• Isogest - Digestive enzyme
• Flura - Probiotic line

Quality & Manufacturing

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Kirkman manufactures all products in its own FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The Ultra Tested line tests for 950+ environmental contaminants including pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and other harmful chemicals, far exceeding FDA requirements.

Corporate Structure

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Hemptown Organics Corp. (BC, Canada) - 72% owner
    └── Functional Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: MEHA)
            ├── HTO Nevada Inc. dba Kirkman
            └── Hemptown Naturals (hemp products)

Market Presence

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• Amazon: Active store with multiple products
• iHerb: Active (brand code: KIM)
• Direct: kirkmangroup.com
• Specialty retailers: OurKidsASD.com and others serving autism community

Investigation Notes

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Investigation Level: Deep Date: 2025-12-31 Status Confidence: High

Status Determination Rationale

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• Listed on parent company website (functionalbrandsinc.com)
• Active retail presence on Amazon and iHerb
• Dedicated official website operational
• 436 products in DSLD database
• Recognized as one of 50 Most Admired Companies to Watch in 2023