I have been encouraged by a steady series of reports indicating the volatility in 2023 for North American specialty & batch chemical manufacturers is now largely behind us. From direct interactions with SOCMA members to conversations with attendees at the SOCMA Show, I am hearing indications that the industry is experiencing a more predictable environment for orders and customer projections in 2024.
Recent data from the 2024 Manufacturing ISM Report On Business published by the Institute for Supply Management confirm this trend. According to the report, the chemical sector is one of four major manufacturing industries experiencing significant growth in new orders and production of chemical products. As one chemical product respondent stated in the report, "Performance continues to defy projections of a downturn in activity. Demand remains strong, and the pipeline for orders is robust.”
In particular, North American specialty and batch chemical companies are capitalizing on the increasing demand for domestically produced chemical products amidst global market instability. These companies produce high-quality, specialized chemical products tailored to meet the specific needs of their customers and strengthen supply chain operations.
For companies like yours, this surge in North American manufacturing has led to:
Company expansion into new markets, products, and capabilities.
Capital investments in facility maintenance and construction.
Push for continual training and development of operations teams.
SOCMA is actively promoting the importance of domestic manufacturing through speaking engagements at conferences, highlighting critical chemicals in the U.S. government supply chain, providing training and development opportunities, and fostering networking opportunities. Our primary objective is to keep our members well-informed about industry trends and equipped with the necessary tools and resources for continuous growth in this ever-evolving market.
If you have any suggestions or exciting opportunities to enhance SOCMA's emphasis on North American manufacturing, please reach out to me.
Kind Regards,
Jennifer Abril
Regulatory
Jennifer Abril Highlights Demand for Domestic Manufacturing, EPA Limitations on Innovation
Jennifer Abril, the President and CEO of SOCMA, delivered a keynote speech at the American Chemistry Council's 2024 GlobalChem conference. Her speech shed light on the readiness of the specialty chemical sector to meet the increasing demand for domestic manufacturing. She also highlighted how regulatory hurdles could hinder the sector's growth.
In her remarks, Jennifer discusses how SOCMA continues to push the EPA for a solution to prevent bottlenecks and backlogs during the chemical review process. The inability to keep within the 90-day review misaligns with the current administration’s focus on national security, strategic defense investments, and energy goals.
Process types needed: Sulfation, Hydrolysis, Catalyzed depolymerization, Dilution, Amination, and Distillation. In addition, the government has approached SOCMA for manufacturers who can produce the following critical chemical: nitroguanidine.
SOCMA Develops Resources Regarding Critical Chemicals for the U.S. Government
SOCMA has been working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal government agencies to secure the U.S. chemical supply chain. We are building out a resource center that will include all the information you need to successfully navigate the government procurement process. The information will include a roadmap for supplying critical chemicals to the government and a how to guide that positions members to be first in line to receive opportunities.
SOCMA Pavilion at ChemSpec Europe Features Nine North American Companies
Nine SOCMA members will exhibit in the SOCMA Pavilion at ChemSpec Europe in June. The companies aim to establish new connections with European partners and customers as supply chain disruption and energy costs continue to impact European manufacturing. This year's event will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Participating companies in the 2024 SOCMA Pavillion include:
Prepare Chemical Operators for Emergency Response Training with the Latest ChemOps Update
Get ready for ChemOps' latest video highlighting emergency response planning designed for specialty chemical manufacturing operations.
This 8-minute video gives new operators an overview of what to expect and how to prepare when entering a specialty chemical manufacturing facility, from designated parking, security measures, and day-to-day activities. An emergency situation is highlighted, and the viewer is asked what to do during and after, referencing site-specific procedures such as an emergency response plan.
SOCMA Board of Governors to Hold Strategic Planning Meeting in June
The SOCMA Board of Governors will conduct a strategic planning meeting in June.
At the meeting, board members will have the chance to envision the next five years for the specialty batch chemical manufacturing industry. They will also identify important areas of growth and opportunity and plan a roadmap for SOCMA's future direction.
As we gear up for the board session, we look forward to gathering your valuable input through our upcoming pulse poll to be released in early May.
Milliken & Company Recognized Among the 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies
Spartanburg, SC – Milliken & Company was included on the 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies list curated by Ethisphere. Milliken is one of only six honorees to make the list every year since the award was first created in 2007.
Ascent Industries Promotes New Executive Management Team
Oak Brook, IL – Ascent Industries Co. focused on the production and distribution of specialty chemicals and industrial tubular products, has announced the promotion of Ascent Chemicals’ President J. Bryan Kitchen to Ascent’s CEO and Ascent Chemicals’ Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis Ryan Kavalauskas to Ascent’s CFO.
ProChem Inc. Announces Expansion with New Facility Addition
Rockford, IL – ProChem Inc. is pleased to announce the expansion of its facility with the addition of a new building on their existing site. This expansion is a continuation of their 5-year business plan to increase manufacturing space and capabilities. This will also meet the more recent market need to onshore critical raw materials driven by computer chip fabrication expansions in the US and CHIPS Act funding.
The 2024 SOCMA Show is officially a wrap! Held in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee, from February 19 - 21, 2024, the show attracted over 1,000 attendees, including suppliers, buyers, and experts, mainly from North American manufacturing. It featured more than 150 exhibitor booths that showcased the latest technologies and solutions in the specialty chemical batch manufacturing industry.
The SOCMA Show is undoubtedly the most important hub for networking and connections in the specialty batch chemical industry, and it is not to be missed! But don’t take our word for it. Watch this short video from our friends at International Process Plants on why the show is a must-attend.
We want to thank all our exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees for making the 2024 SOCMA Show a resounding success!
Save the date for the 2025 SOCMA Show, which will be held from February 19 to 21, 2025, in Nashville.
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