ChemDesign News
For press and media inquiries regarding ChemDesign Products, please contact:
David Mielke, President and CEO
news@chemdesign.com
715.735.9033
ChemDesign Products to Exhibit at Informex USA 2013
Come see ChemDesign Products at Informex Booth 1603! ChemDesign
Products, dedicated to the highest standards in specialty, custom, and
toll chemical manufacturing will be exhibiting at the Informex
Conference from February 19-22, 2013 - Anaheim, California.
ChemDesign Products will be one of over 450 exhibitors participating
in the 29th Informex event. Informex is the meeting place to showcase
and learn about the capabilities of high value, high quality fine,
specialty, toll and custom chemical manufacturers.
ChemDesign Products will be highlighting its capabilities and services
available to producers of specialty and fine chemicals. The company is
a ChemStewards® Company, ISO 9001:2008 registered, and has exemplary
environmental and safety records.
Manufacturers Keep Marinette Humming
Click Here to read article.
Lubar & Co. Acquires Contract Chemical Manufacturer ChemDesign
Investment builds upon ChemDesign's success in the specialty chemicals industry.
Lubar & Co. announced today that it has acquired Marinette-based ChemDesign, Inc.
Founded in 1982, ChemDesign is one of the leading providers of custom toll manufacturing services to the global chemical industry. The company has developed a strong reputation for partnering with its blue-chip customers, utilizing its technical personnel, flexible manufacturing facilities and process optimization capabilities to produce highly complex chemicals.
“This is an exceptionally talented, knowledgeable and experienced organization and we look forward to a rewarding relationship with CEO Dave Mielke and the rest of the ChemDesign team,” said David Lubar. "The company is well positioned to grow and create long-term partnerships with current and new customers who are well suited to their capabilities.”
ChemDesign’s primary operations are located in Marinette, Wisconsin. ”This is an outstanding company with attractive growth opportunities in our home state.” “We see a great match between the management group at ChemDesign and our team at Lubar & Co.,” said Vince Shiely, Partner at Lubar & Co.
The company has established a strong presence with leading chemical companies in several specialty chemical end markets, including agriculture, surfactants, additives, and specialty polymers. Many large chemical companies are increasingly turning to domestic toll processors, such as ChemDesign, to drive potential cost savings, reduce internal assets, and allow them to shift their focus toward research and development and away from non-core processes.
ChemDesign has and will continue to make substantial investments in the areas of product development, equipment capabilities, and personnel, which have driven many new and existing customers to partner with the company to develop new products.
"Lubar & Co. shares our company's vision and our desire to continue to invest in and grow ChemDesign," Dave Mielke said. "Our customers demand stability, continuity and growing capabilities from us, and Lubar & Co. fit the mold for what we were seeking in an investment firm – a strong understanding of our strategic business model and goals, a desire for a long-term relationship, and a successful track record of collaborating to support thriving companies."
About Lubar & Co.
For more than 40 years, Milwaukee-based private investment firm Lubar & Co. has applied a unique blend of patient capital, collaborative vision and steadfast commitment to management teams to build thriving companies and strong communities. By doing the right things, day-in and day-out, Lubar & Co. nurtures market-leading companies that produce consistent growth and enhanced equity value over the long term. For more information, visit www.lubar.com.
ChemDesign Receives Second National Performance Improvement Honor
ChemDesign of Marinette, Wisconsin, has received a Silver National Performance Improvement Honor from SOCMA (Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates) for its commitment to improving their environmental, health, safety and security operations. Just last year ChemDesign received a bronze award from SOCMA for their EHS&S efforts.
ChemDesign participates in SOCMA’s ChemStewards® program, which encourages companies to operate their facilities in an environment that guarantees safety and environmental compliance to all stakeholders.
ChemDesign will accept their Silver Performance Improvement Award at SOCMA’s 91st Annual Dinner on December 10 in New York City. ChemDesign is being recognized for its continued efforts in developing a successful EHS&S program while reducing their environmental footprint.
“We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of our Employees, Supervisors and the entire Management Team on behalf of our EHS&S programs. The key elements of training, audits, inspections and participation by all levels of the organization continue to result in success for our customers as well as ourselves. This award reflects our commitment to constant improvement for our products, our workers and our neighbors within the community,” said Dr. Timothy Swavely, Director Environmental Health & Safety for ChemDesign.
“In today’s business world it is incumbent upon companies to be good environmental stewards in order to ensure the safety and security of not only their employees but the community in which they live. We congratulate ChemDesign and its employees on this achievement, and we encourage them to continue these efforts through the ChemStewards performance improvement program,” said SOCMA President Lawrence D. Sloan.
ChemDesign Products Receives National Performance Improvement Honor
ChemDesign Products is pleased to announce it has received the 2011 Bronze Award for its achievements in implementing a recognized environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) program. The award is given as part of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates’ (SOCMA) annual Performance Improvement Awards, sponsored by ChemStewards®, SOCMA’s EHS&S program.
ChemDesign Products’ is being recognized by SOCMA for their continued improvement within the EHS&S program by reducing injuries, performing enhanced process hazards analysis, acting as a chemical/environmental resource for community agencies and leading the way for industrial waste reduction/recycling operations.
This award signifies a culmination of efforts on the part of ChemDesign employees to make a difference in the community and industry. Last fall, ChemDesign Products achieved national recognition when the company completed 175,415 production hours (one complete year), without a recordable injury. They also received a National Educational Outreach Honor from SOCMA for their work with Marinette area schools.
“We are honored to receive national recognition for our company’s commitment to performance excellence. In particular, we commend our employees for their hard work all year to maintain a superior EHS&S program in our facility,” said David Mielke, president.
“ChemDesign Products’ hard work on their comprehensive environmental, health, safety and security program shows their commitment to constant improvement and to contributing to the quality of life in their community. SOCMA commends them on their Bronze Award honors and encourages ChemDesign Products to continue these efforts through the ChemStewards performance improvement program,” said SOCMA Lawrence D. Sloan.
SOCMA is the only U.S.-based trade association dedicated solely to the batch, custom and specialty chemical industry. Since 1921, we have represented a diverse membership of small, medium and large chemical companies, making us the leading authority on this sector. SOCMA has a global membership of more than 200 companies. For more information on our services and products, please visit www.socma.com.
ChemStewards® is SOCMA’s flagship environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) continuous performance improvement program. ChemStewards was created from industry’s commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. Industry created ChemStewards to meet the unique needs of the batch, custom and specialty chemical industry. As a mandatory requirement for SOCMA members engaged in the manufacturing or handling of chemicals, ChemStewards is helping participants reach for superior EHS&S performance. To learn more visit www.chemstewards.com.
ChemDesign Receives National Educational Outreach Honor from SOCMA
ChemDesign Products has received the 2010 Educational Outreach Award from SOCMA, the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates through their partnership with the Chemical Education Foundation. SOCMA is a U.S. based trade association dedicated to the batch, custom and specialty chemical industry. Their member companies represent a $60 billion dollar industry, operate more than 2,000 manufacturing sites and employ more than 100,000 people. ChemDesign Products has been a member of SOCMA since its inception and is part of their prestigious ChemStewards® program.
ChemDesign Products was selected from a competitive pool of nominations by the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF). The activities that put them ahead of the others included their “Making Science Make Sense” program with Menominee area schools, their “Chemistry in the Specialty Chemicals Industry” presentations for the American Chemical Society and outreach with the Boy Scouts of America.
ChemDesign Products has spearheaded the “Adopt-A-Classroom” program local schools since 1991. Their “Making Science Make Sense” demonstrations have been seen by over 600 children in grades 2nd through 8th.
According to Dan Paul, Principal at Menominee Catholic Central, ChemDesign Products is leading the way in making a difference in children’s lives. He states, “In today’s competitive climate for jobs, it is crucial for businesses to take an active role in facilitating career exploration in the sciences with students at a young age. ChemDesign is one of those special businesses committed to changing the world through their involvement in education.”
ChemDesign Products is also involved with the Midwest chapters of the American Chemical Society. Their presentation “Chemistry in the Specialty Chemicals Industry” outlines the chemist’s role in the highly competitive specialty chemicals market. After seeing the presentation and interacting with ChemDesign employees, undergraduate chemistry students gain understanding of the business acumen needed in the industry.
Joel Salzman, Director of Commercial Development with ChemDesign Products brings chemistry to the area Boy Scouts by conducting hands experiments with kitchen and household chemicals to demonstrate basic principle of chemistry and polymers.
ChemDesign Products will receive the Educational Outreach honor and a check for $2,500 for Menominee Catholic Central at SOCMA’s 89th Annual Dinner in New York City on December 6, 2010. For event information, visit, www.socma.com/events/index.cfm?eventCat=1&articleID=2313.
ChemDesign Products, www.chemdesign.com, provides chemical toll processing for companies in the agricultural chemicals, consumer, energy, industrial and plastics industries The company employs over 100 people at their facility in Marinette, Wisconsin.
ChemStewards® is SOCMA’s flagship environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) performance improvement program. ChemStewards® was created from industry’s commitment to continuous improvement and to reducing the environmental footprint left by members’ facilities. As a mandatory requirement for SOCMA members engaged in the manufacturing or handling of synthetic and organic chemicals, ChemStewards® is helping participants reach for superior EHS&S performance. To learn more, visit www.chemstewards.com.
The Chemical Educational Foundation is a national non-profit organization based in Arlington, VA. The Foundation works to provide the chemical industry with educational programs that promote the importance of chemicals, chemistry education, and chemical safety awareness through community outreach. For more information about the programs of the Chemical Educational Foundation, please visit www.chemed.org.
ChemDesign Products Achieves One Year without
Recordable Injury
ChemDesign Products has achieved one year with a zero recordable incident rate. On October 7, 2010, the company completed over 175,415 production hours (one complete year), without a recordable injury.
This milestone is a first in the company’s history and a major achievement for any manufacturing organization. “Achieving one year without a recordable injury is an incredible accomplishment. We maintain employee safety as a primary focus for our teams as well as our customers. Our operators and technical staff are committed to safety and play an active role in achieving and maintaining this record. Our livelihood is our customers and the standards we set must be at the level of their expectations,” states David Mielke, President of ChemDesign Products.
This company milestone is the direct result of ChemDesign Products’ commitment to developing procedures, performing detailed reviews, and conducting process hazards analysis in every toll operation. The plant to customer interaction is a key strength for ChemDesign Products and a vital metric to being a leader in the industry.
In addition to this recent achievement, ChemDesign Products enjoys an exemplary environmental record of no recordable spills or releases. The company is a ChemStewards® Company and ISO 9001:2008 registered. The facility is a winner of trade association awards for commitment to environmental excellence in the community.
ChemDesign Products Makes Hiring Veterans a Top Priority
Veterans Day has personal significance for fifteen percent of the ChemDesign Products workforce. The company employs veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Guard.
“Our company finds military experience to be a good fit for what we are looking for in our employees,” states Brian Bourgeois, Purchasing and Human Resources Manager. “Employees who have served in the military are good at taking direction and following written procedures. Their military training and structure stays for life.”
Veteran employees at ChemDesign Products are employed in operations, customer service, financial management and maintenance.
The company was recognized in 2007 by the Michigan Works! Job Force Board for its commitment to hiring our Nation’s veterans. They received the “Hire Vets First Business of the Year” award for Menominee County.
Read the SOCMA blog article here
ChemDesign Products Receives $450,000 Blight Elimination and Brownfield Grant
ChemDesign Products of Marinette, Wisconsin, a leading custom and toll specialty chemical manufacturing facility, has been awarded a $450,000 Blight Elimination and Brownfield Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.
The entire cost of the redevelopment project is estimated to reach $1.4 million and provide stability and security for over 90 full time employees as well as continued local financial input of over $13 million dollars per year.
According to ChemDesign Products’ President and CEO, David Mielke, “This grant is a great example of how the State of Wisconsin works with local businesses to provide support, assistance and security in these often fragile economic times. This grant would not have been possible without the hard work of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. Our success is a success for all of Marinette.”
ChemDesign Products enjoys an exemplary environmental, health, and safety record. The company is a ChemStewards® Company and is ISO 9001:2008 Registered. ChemDesign Products is committed to maintaining industry leading environmental standards through extensive pollution abatement systems including: air scrubbers, containment systems, and absorbers that are incorporated into each production operation. The facility is a winner of trade association awards for commitment to environmental excellence in the community.
ChemDesign Products is Certified Compliant with ChemStewards® for Continuous EHS&S Improvement
ChemDesign Products of Marinette, Wisconsin, a leader in custom and toll chemical manufacturing, has completed requirements for certification and compliance with the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association’s (SOCMA) ChemStewards® program.
ChemStewards® is SOCMA's flagship environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) continuous performance improvement program. SOCMA created ChemStewards® to meet the unique needs of the batch, custom and specialty chemical industry. As a mandatory requirement for SOCMA members engaged in the manufacturing or handling of synthetic and organic chemicals, ChemStewards® is helping participants reach for superior EHS&S performance.
ChemDesign Products is recognized for its successful efforts to go above and beyond the minimum for federal EHS&S compliance, build customer confidence and community trust, and strengthen product stewardship.
According to ChemDesign Products President and CEO, David Mielke, “The successful completion of the certification process is the direct result of the outstanding commitment exhibited by all staff in maintaining a safe and secure working environment while minimizing the overall environmental impact of operations. This certification shows the organization’s commitment to the core principles which make ChemDesign Products outstanding in the Specialty Chemical Manufacturing Industry.”
“ChemDesign Products should be proud to be ChemStewards® certified," said Joe Acker, SOCMA's President. "Their customers can rest assured their business is being handled by a company that makes sound environmental, health, safety and security management a top priority. SOCMA's ChemStewards® Program is the only EHS&S program designed specifically for the batch, custom and specialty chemical industry. ChemDesign Product’s participation indicates their commitment to compliance with federal regulation and building cooperation throughout the supply chain."
SOCMA members manufacture thousands of products annually, from pharmaceuticals to industrial and construction products. SOCMA members produce the building blocks for materials that enhance our lives and enable the manufacture of thousands of other products. Visit SOCMA’s online press room at www.socma.com.
ChemStewards® is SOCMA’s flagship environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) performance improvement program. ChemStewards® was created from industry’s commitment to continuous improvement and to reducing the environmental footprint left by members’ facilities. Industry created ChemStewards® to meet the unique needs of the batch, custom and specialty chemical industry. As a mandatory requirement for SOCMA members engaged in the manufacturing or handling of synthetic and organic chemicals, ChemStewards® is helping participants reach for superior EHS&S performance. To learn more, visit www.chemstewards.com.