As Chair of the Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA), I had the privilege of convening a roundtable discussion last month with key industry figures and a leading expert on the future of manufacturing. This stimulating dialogue has further sparked my curiosity about the sector.
What does the landscape of specialty and fine chemicals hold in store for the next five years?
The Board of Governors will explore this question during its early June meeting as it analyzes scenarios and strategizes for SOCMA's 2030 Vision. I anticipate that recurring themes will be discussed throughout the upcoming two-day session.
A preview of themes for discussion include:
Impacts of Retirement
The specialty chemical manufacturing industry has started to feel the impacts of retirement on staffing, as many experienced professionals are reaching retirement age. This demographic shift is posing significant challenges in terms of knowledge transfer, skill retention, and succession planning for our member companies. What are the hard and soft skills you are prioritizing in new hires?
Supply Chain Issues
In today's rapidly changing global landscape, supply chain risks have become a critical focus for the specialty chemical manufacturing industry. From disruptions in raw material sourcing to challenges in distribution logistics, navigating a complex supply chain landscape is essential for staying competitive and meeting customer demands. What are the risks and opportunities for North American specialty chemical manufacturers?
AI Opportunities & Challenges
Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges for the specialty chemical manufacturing industry. As we look towards the future of manufacturing, it is essential for our member companies to carefully consider how they can leverage AI to drive efficiency and competitiveness while also addressing the potential risks, including trademark concerns that come with adopting these technologies. To what extent is your company exploring the potential uses and risks of AI in your operations?
I invite you to participate in the Q2 Pulse Poll and help shape the future. Your input on industry trends being closely monitored by SOCMA, your company's projections for 2024, potential capacity constraints, and the market segments experiencing the most growth this year are vital for our strategic planning efforts.
Thank you for playing a vital role in shaping our 2030 Vision!
Kind Regards,
Jennifer Abril
SOCMA President & CEO
jabril@socma.org
Welcome SOCMA's 12 Newest Members!
SOCMA Welcomes 12 New Members Admist Industry Rebound
SOCMA welcomed 12 new members in Q1 2024, including five manufacturers and seven affiliates.
“As demand for specialty chemicals grows in North America, SOCMA is increasingly the go-to resource for companies looking to capitalize on growth opportunities while strengthening their safety and regulatory programs,” says Jennifer Abril, President & CEO.
Last Chance to Register! SOCMA May 9 Townhall on Methylene Chloride Rule
On Thursday, May 9 SOCMA staff and members will highlight pivotal changes to the Methylene Chloride Regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). While the proposed rule set out to ban almost all uses of methylene chloride, SOCMA was successful in winning allowances for several conditions of use that are critical for SOCMA members.
The final rule permits industrial and commercial use of methylene chloride as a processing aid (including its use in a closed-loop system), which the proposed rule initially prohibited. EPA acknowledges this was due to insufficient information at the time of the proposal.
The final rule permits industrial and commercial use of methylene chloride for plastic and rubber products manufacturing, which EPA initially proposed to prohibit.
The final rule includes a de minimis threshold of 0.1%, which was not included in EPA’s initial proposed rulemaking.
Extended compliance timeframe with the workplace chemical protection plan (WCPP) were also included in the final rule. Provisions for extension of deadlines on exposure monitoring, ensuring plants are under the ECEL/EPA STEL threshold for all potentially exposed persons, and implementation of an exposure control plan were all included in this rulemaking.
SOCMA would like to thank member companies VanDeMark Chemical, Halocarbon, Boulder Scientific Company, Lanxess, and many others who assisted in our advocacy efforts.
Is Your Profile Up to Date for 2024 on our Member Directory?
Trade show season is in full swing! The SOCMA Member Directory is buzzing with activity as companies seek business partners. Don't lose out on a potential lead because your profile is out of date.
Don't have time to update it yourself? Contact Nate Bell, Senior Manager of Member Communications & Programs, at nbell@socma.org to update your member profile.
Save the Date: Defense Critical Chemical Call Webinar on May 16
The timeline for the Defense Critical Chemical Call continues to be fluid. Our upcoming webinar on May 16 at 1:30 pm EST will update you on Call 13 and prepare you for the next round of government funding opportunities. Discover the crucial steps you need to take now to prepare you for when the call is made public.
Freshly Enhanced Member Resource Center Provides Valuable Knowledge on Specialty & Fine Chemicals
Our revamped member resource center offers insights and vital knowledge to help expand your business operations. The resource center is packed with industry insights, informative publications, and valuable manufacturing resources.
Have you discovered the top resource of the month - our ESG Workshop recap? Explore it here!
Register for the June 6 ChemOps Webinar Featuring 2024 Update and More Exciting Features
Join us for an exclusive ChemOps webinar on June 6th at 1:30 p.m. EST. During this webinar, you'll have an exclusive first look at the newest update, including the debut of an 8-minute emergency response video designed for specialty chemical manufacturing operations. A special thanks to the ChemOps users and committee members who played a crucial role in shaping this latest release.
The significance of ChemOps cannot be overstated. Over 40 companies and 1500 users use it to reinforce knowledge and drive employee advancement.
As we look to celebrate 20 years of ChemStewards, we reflect on how the regulatory landscape and specialty chemical industry have evolved since its inception in 2005. Our commitment remains steadfast in continuously adapting a program designed by industry for industry to best serve the diverse needs of our members while ensuring necessary flexibility for those in the specialty chemical industry.
In our commitment to enhancing ChemStewards, we are dedicating 2024 to evaluating the program, with a focus on maintaining the core elements and audit process. We are also exploring the possibility of shifting the metrics' emphasis towards leading indicators rather than lagging ones.
If you would be willing to share your process improvement ideas with SOCMA, please contact Sarah Williams at swilliams@socma.org or Emylyn Noma Reyes at enoma@socma.org.
Grace Matthews Advises H.P. Polymers on its Transaction with MFG Chemical
MFG Chemical a Platte River Equity's portfolio company has acquired H.P. Polymers, an independent resin and polymers manufacturer based in Ontario, expanding its presence in diverse end markets across North America including metal, wood, marine, specialty, and coil applications, with Grace Matthews, Inc. serving as financial advisor to H.P. Polymers on the transaction.
OCTC honors McGean with the 2024 Eagle Recognition Award
Ohio Chemistry Technology Council recognized McGean and awarded them the program's highest honor, the 2024 Eagle Award, for their exceptional achievements in environmental, health, and security performance.
IPP Purchases Henkel’s Lomazzo Italy Liquid Detergents Manufacturing Plant Site
International Process Plants (IPP), a global leader in industrial plant acquisition and sales, has acquired Henkel’s Lomazzo, Italy detergent plant, advancing its "Creating a Sustainable Lifecycle for Manufacturing Assets" initiative by seeking buyers for the plant's assets and planning land redevelopment.
Discover the Cutting-Edge of Fine & Specialty Chemicals at ChemSpec Europe
Don't miss your chance to immerse yourself in the heart of the fine and specialty chemical industry at Chemspec Europe on June 19-20, 2024, in Messe Düsseldorf, Germany. With over 385 exhibitors showcasing their bespoke chemicals and innovative products, this is an excellent opportunity to stay updated with global industry trends. Engage with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to expand your business opportunities in North America.
Participating companies in the 2024 SOCMA Pavillion include:
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