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The Top 100 pull out of the doldrums

Wary about 2003, some chemical distributors have good year.

By Susan Avery -- Purchasing, 5/6/2004

Update: Click here for our latest list of the 2006 Top 100 chemical distributors.

Click here to read ''Demand remains strong despite high prices'' in the May 4, 2006 issue.

Results of PURCHASING magazine's Top 100 chemical distributors survey have been tallied for another year: Despite the challenging economic climate, sales improved somewhat for the nation's biggest chemical distributors in 2003. Still, executives at companies responding to the annual poll remain concerned about some big issues—high operating costs, rising feedstock and energy prices, and intensifying global competition.

Chemical distributors responding to PURCHASING's Top 100 chemical distributors survey report average sales of $139.6 million for 2003, compared to $134.6 million in 2002, an increase of 3.6%.

"We are pleased," says James L. Kolstad, president and CEO, National Association of Chemical Distributors [NACD], Arlington, Va., of the results. "Some, although not a large number, of our members had one of the best years ever. And 2004 is off to a good start. In every sector of the country, members are reporting improvements in business."

Kolstad credits a strong housing market for favorable sales results of chemical distributors and the move by some NACD members to begin handling or developing new products. "These companies were able to enjoy substantial sales," he says. At the same time, NACD members are in the second third year cycle of responsible distribution process verification, an accomplishment for which Kolstad is proud.

Still, not every chemical distributor experienced a rise in sales in 2003. "It was spotty," he says, "with the New England area being particularly weak." Challenges faced by chemical distributors in New England and other areas of the country include escalating costs of health insurance (double-digit growth in each of the past three years), rising natural gas prices and competition from companies in Europe and Asia, where costs are not as high. To combat increasing costs of health insurance, the NACD supports legislation that would allow trade associations to purchase a plan for its members regardless of where in the country they are located.

High prices of energy, particularly of natural gas, also have hit the chemical industry hard, especially companies that produce commodities or feedstocks, Kolstad says. "So while volumes have improved and revenues are up, distributor margins are still very tight."

Merger and acquisition activity which dominated much of the industry's news in recent years appears to have quieted down a bit in 2003. However, this year starts off with Bain Capital LLC completing its acquisition of Brenntag Inc., the third biggest chemical distributor on purchasing's list. Bain has renamed the company Brenntag North America.

"In terms of M&A activity, 2003 was quieter than we thought it would be," says NACD's Kolstad. "With the exception of Bain buying Brenntag, I don't know of a single major acquisition, or of any currently in the works. I think the expectation that M&A activity would be heavy in 2003 and 2004 may not come to pass," he adds.

The Top 100

Sixty-seven percent of distributors on purchasing's Top 100 chemical distributor list had sales gains in 2003. Ten percent experienced a year in which sales were flat with 2002. Twenty-three percent recorded lower sales in 2003, compared to the previous 12 months.

Much of the increase in sales occurred among many of the bigger players. Of the Top 50 chemical distributors, sales averaged $258 million in 2003. A year ago, this figure was $249.4 million. Of distributors with sales of $100 million or more, sales for 2003 averaged $531.2 million, up from $514.7 million in 2002.

Every chemical distributor in PURCHASING's Top 10 saw sales increase or hold their own in 2003 compared to 2002. With $3.09 billion in annual sales for 2003, Univar is at the top of this year's list, the same position it held a year ago. Its sales increased 6.5% in 2003. Chemical distributors in the Top 5 remain unchanged from 2002. Ashland Distribution once again takes the number-two spot, with annual sales of $2.6 billion. Sales there grew by 8.3%. Number-three Brenntag recorded sales of $1.6 billion, leaving it firmly planted in that spot. Its sales remain flat with 2002.

With $890 million in sales for 2003, CHEMCENTRAL once again takes the fourth spot on purchasing's list. Like Brenntag, its sales are essentially the same as in 2002. At number five for the second year is ICC Chemical Corp., with annual sales of $490 million. Sales grew by 3.2% for the chemical distributor.

With a spurt in sales of 23% in 2003, Canada Colors & Chemicals jumps into the sixth spot on the list. Its sales were $270 million in 2003. Rounding out the Top 10 are: JLM Industries with $250.3 million in sales, a 3.7% increase over 2002; Harcros Chemicals, which saw sales grow 7.1% to $249.5 million; Interstate Chemical Co. where sales rose 3.7% to $204.8 million; and Quadra Chemicals which breaks into the Top 10 with $203 million in sales for 2003, a gain of 8%.

As a group, the 13 independent chemical distributors that make up the Omni-Chem 136 (www.omni-chem.com) alliance would fit between Brenntag and CHEMCENTRAL on the Top 100 list for 2004. Its annual sales were $1.1 billion. [A partnership with the European Chemical Distribution Alliance, bringing annual sales to more than $3 billion, pushes the alliance further up the list and gives Omni-Chem 136 a geographic scope that covers not only North America, but also Europe and the Far East.] Instead, purchasing editors opted to list each company individually.

Together the 18 independent chemical distributors belonging to the Chemical Distribution Network (www.chemdistnet.com) have sales of $450 million, which would place this alliance at number six on the list, following ICC Chemical Corp. For more information on these alliances and their capabilities, please see the accompanying sidebar on page 16.

The next 15 chemical distributors have shifted positions somewhat, a result of L.V. Lomas and Seegott not appearing on this year's list. Both companies declined to return their surveys. With sales increases of more than 20%, E.T. Horn and The Plaza Group each had very healthy years in 2003. E.T. moves up to the 23rd position from 26th, while the Plaza Group moves into the Top 25 from the 35th post last year.

Looking ahead, executives at chemical distributors responding to the survey provide a peak into their corporate strategies for 2004. From the Top 25: Hydrite is exploring opportunities for strategic acquisitions; Helm plans to extend its reach into Mexico and South America and is building a chemicals distribution organization in China; Superior Solvents & Chemicals is expanding its product offering; E.T. Horn is moving into cosmetics/personal care and Pride is pondering additional acquisitions.

The rest of the results

Results of purchasing's Top 100 Chemical Distributors survey show chemical distributors were managing an average of 10.6 stocking locations at the end of December, 2003. Of those responding to the survey question, 35.1% opened stocking locations in 2003, while 16% closed them. Looking ahead, 30.7% plan to open new locations in 2004. Of this figure, 8% expect to open more than one stocking location in the months ahead. These figures are slightly more optimistic that those reported a year ago: 26.5% of respondents opened stocking locations in 2002.

Chemical distributors on purchasing's list have stocking locations mainly in the U.S. and Canada. Many also have branched out as respondents report stocking locations in Mexico (41.4%) and Latin America (44.8%). Others sell product in Europe (48.3%) and Asia (37.9%).

These figures represent significant increases over similar numbers reported by chemical distributors in 2003. Last year 32.2% of distributor execs responding to the annual survey had stocking locations in Mexico while 22.6% maintained such sites in Latin/South America. The numbers for Europe (38.7%) and Asia (29%) represent similar gains.

As of December 31, 2003, chemical distributors had an average of 2.85 million gal of bulk storage capacity and an average of 400,000 sq ft of warehouse space. On average, chemical distributors have 45 trucks, 14 vans, 64 trailers, 38 tankers and 42 railcars. All told, they have an average of 133 vehicles.

In 2003, the Top 100 chemical distributors sold products to buyers in these industries: paints and coatings (84.7%), cosmetic/personal care (81.6%), adhesives and sealants (76.5%), soaps and detergents (74.5%) and plastics (70.4%).

The distributors on the list are a diversified group: of those responding to the survey, 40.8% offer 9-16 product lines. On average respondents carry 13 lines. Classifying themselves as specialized chemicals distributors are 28.6% of the Top 100; they offer 1-8 products. The remaining companies provide their customers with more than 17 different types of products.

Sales through chemical distributors consist mainly of these products: surfactants (75%), amines (69%), inorganics (66%), alcohols (63%) and acids (61%). Other chemicals which made up a bulk of sales in 2003 are: esters (61%), solvents (60%), thickening agents (56%), food additives (53%) and gylcol ethers (53%). Rounding off the list are: resins (50%), chlor-alkali (50%), chelating agents (47%), pigments (46%) and ketones (45%).

Virtually all of the distributors on the Top 100 list import some of these products: on average they import 21% of the chemicals they sell.

Chemical distributors provide their customers with a host of services, with 27% of those on the list offering an extended range of services (five or more). Twenty-eight percent provide a limited number (one or two). Among the most popular: blending (63%), contract packaging (52%), technical training (47%), safety training (38%), manufacturing (34%), customer product research (33%) and hazardous waste removal (18%).

About the Top 100

Each May for the past 19 years, the CPI Edition of PURCHASING magazine has ranked the top-selling distributors in North America, as well as provided valuable news and in-depth analysis to its wide range of purchasing professionals across the CPI. This year, the Top 100 chemical distributors are ranked on the pages that follow, based on an exclusive annual survey of national, regional and local distribution companies operating in the chemical markets.

Company rank is determined by 2003 gross chemical distribution sales as reported by the companies. Distributors must take title to, and handle billing for, the materials supplied. No agency or commission sales are considered. Resins sales are included provided they do not make up more than 49% of total sales.

Most popular lines among distributors
Product line(%)
Surfactants75%
Amines69%
Inorganics66%
Alcohols63%
Acids61%
Esters61%
Solvents60%
Thickening agents56%
Food additives53%
Gylcol ethers53%
Resins50%
Chlor-alkali50%
Chelating agents47%
Pigments46%
Ketones 45%
Hydrogen peroxide 44%
Chlorinated solvents 43%
Fatty chemicals 43%
Plasticizers 43%
Polyglycols 43%
Specialty quats 41%
Lubricants 39%
Catalysts 30%
Flavors & fragrances 27%
Adhesives & sealants 24%
Aldehydes 22%
Industrial gases 13%
Institutional maintenance 9%
Other 28%
SOURCE: PURCHASING

2004 distributor profile
Average bulk storage capacity: 2.85 million gal
Average warehouse space: 400,000 sq ft
Average delivery fleet size: 133 vehicles
Of those who said they have % who have one or more Average number in service
Trucks: 57% 4
Vans: 35% 14
Trailers: 44% 64
Tankers 41% 38
Railcars: 12% 4
Other vehicles: 5% 7
SOURCE: PURCHASING

Industries which purchase through distributors
Market (%)
Paints and coatings 84.7%
Cosmetic/personal care 81.6%
Adhesives and sealants 76.5%
Soaps and detergents 74.5%
Plastics 70.4%
Pharmaceuticals 69.4%
Primary chemical processing 67.3%
Food and beverage 65.3%
Electronics 50.0%
Automotive 49.0%
Municipal 46.9%
Metals 45.95%
Agriculture 43.9%
Pulp and paper 44.9%
Textiles 43.9%
Tires and rubber 41.8%
Petroleum refining 34.7%
Glass and refractory 27.65%
Appliances 15.3%
Other 21.4%
SOURCE: PURCHASING

Other regions with stocking locations
In addition to the U.S. and Canada, the Top 100 chemical distributors have stocking locations in the following regions:
Mexico 41.4%
Latin/South America 44.8%
Europe 48.3%
Asia 37.9%
Other areas 13.8%
SOURCE: PURCHASING

Extra services offered
(beyond delivery and warehousing)
Service (%)
Blending 63%
Contract packaging 52%
Technical training 47%
Safety training 38%
Manufacturing 34%
Customer product research 33%
Hazardous waste removal 18%
Solvent reclamation 14%
Other 19%
No extra services offered 15%
SOURCE: PURCHASING


1. Univar N.V., Kirkland, Wash.
Gary E. Pruitt, Chairman & CEO
2003 sales: $3.09 billion
Stocking locations: 109
Products: Acids, adhesives & sealants, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, catalysts, chelating agents, others
Services: Hazardous waste removal, blending, technical training, contract packaging, safety training, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, glass & refractory, paints & coatings, others
Storage: 28 million gal, 8.8 million sq ft
Fleet: 688 trucks, 6 vans, 871 trailers, 403 tankers, 28 railcars
Web site: www.univarcorp.com

2. Ashland Distribution Co., Dublin, Ohio
Hank Waters, President, ADC
2003 sales: $2.6 billion
Stocking locations: 70
Products: Acids, adhesives/sealants, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, catalysts, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, blending, technical training, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, glass & refractory, paints & coatings, automotive, others
Storage: 21 million gal, 3.8 million sq ft
Fleet: 420 trucks, 20 vans, 425 trailers, 240 tankers
Web site: www.ashdist.com

3. Brenntag North America Inc., Reading, Pa.
Stephen R. Clark , President & CEO
2003 sales: $1.6 billion
Stocking locations: 101
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, catalysts, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, chlorinated solvents, others
Services: Solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, blending, technical training, customer product research, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, glass & refractory, others
Storage: 41.8 million gal, 3.2 million sq ft
Fleet: 390 trucks, 229 vans, 831 trailers
Web site: www.brenntagnorthamerica.com

4. CHEMCENTRAL Corp., Bedford Park, Ill.
John R. Yanney, President & CEO
2003 sales: $890 million
Stocking locations: 50
Products: Acids, adhesives & sealants, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, others
Services: Blending, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, automotive, municipal, petroleum refining, others
Storage: 13 million gal, 700,000 sq ft
Fleet: 175 trucks, 125 trailers, 100 tankers
Web site: www.chemcentral.com

5. ICC Chemical Corp., New York, N.Y.
William R. Brunger, President
2003 sales: $490 million
Stocking locations: 10
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chlorinated solvents, esters, food additives, glycol ethers, inorganics, ketones, pigments, plasticizers, resins, solvents
Services: Manufacturing, customer product research
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, glass & refractory, paints & coatings, petroleum refining, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants, soaps & detergents, textiles, pharmaceuticals
Storage: 400,000 gal, 300,000 sq ft
Web site: www.iccchem.com

6. Canada Colors & Chemicals Ltd., Orn Mills, Ontario
Dave Emerson, President & COO
2003 sales: $270 million
Stocking locations: 8
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, chlorinated solvents, esters, fatty chemicals, flavors & fragrances, food additives, others
Services: Blending
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, others
Web site: www.canadacolors.com

7. JLM Industries, Inc., Tampa, Fla.
John L. Macdonal d, Vice President
2003 sales: $250.3 million
Stocking locations: 18
Products: Acids, adhesives & sealants, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, catalysts, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Manufacturing, solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, blending, technical training, customer product research, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, glass & refractory, others
Storage: 11 million gal, 100,000 sq ft
Fleet: 6 trucks , 125 railcars
Web site: www.jlmi.com

8. Harcros Chemicals Inc., Kansas City, Kans.
Kevin G. Mirn er, President & CEO
2003 sales: $249.5 million
Stocking locations: 27
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, chlorinated solvents, others
Services: Manufacturing, solvent reclamation, blending, technical training, customer product research, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, others
Storage: 3 million gal, 900,000 sq ft
Fleet: 72 trucks, 3 vans, 90 trailers, 19 tankers, 19 other
Web site: www.harcroschem.com

9. Interstate Chemical Company, Hermitage, Pa.
Albert R. Puntureri, Chairman, CEO & President
2003 sales: $204.8 million
Stocking locations: 17
Products: Alcohols, chlor-alkali, acids, solvents, ketones, glycol ethers, institutional maintenance, esters, amines, others
Services: Manufacturing, hazardous waste removal, blending, technical training, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, adhesives & sealants, paints & coatings, others
Storage: 24 million gal, 530,000 sq ft
Fleet: 125 trucks, 18 vans, 54 trailers, 126 tankers
Web site: www.interstatechemical.com

10. Quadra Chemicals Ltd., Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec
Tony Infilise, CEO
2003 sales: $203 million
Stocking locations: 57
Products: Acids, adhesives & sealants, alcohols, amines, catalysts, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, others
Storage: 6.5 million gal, 255,000 sq ft
Fleet: 28 trucks, 14 trailers, 19 tankers, 3 railcars, 4 other
Web site: www.quadrachemicals.com

11. Hydrite Chemical Co., Brookfield, Wisc.
John A. Honkamp, President
2003 sales: $191 million
Stocking locations: 10
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, cholorinated solvents, esters, food additives, glycol ethers, hydrogen peroxide, industrial gases, inorganics, ketones, solvents, surfactants, deformers, others
Services: Manufacturing, solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, blending, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, others
Storage: 5.3 million gal, 500,000 sq ft
Fleet: 43 trucks, 68 trailers, 29 tankers, 8 railcars
Web site: www.hydrite.com

12. HELM (N. America Companies), Piscataway, N.J.
Dieter Schnabel, Owner & Chairman; Hans-Christian Siever , President, HELM America
2003 sales: $183.7 million
Stocking locations: 26
Products: Adhesives & sealants, alcohols, esters, food additives, solvents, thickening agents, pharma & veterinary raw materials, feed additives, anhydrous ammonia, nutraceuticals
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, contract packaging, quality control, registrations (e.g. FDA), distribution import
Markets served: Paints & coatings, food & beverage, adhesives & sealants, soaps & detergents, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, feed additives & chemicals, veterinary and health food
Storage: 23.9 million gal, 108,877 sq ft
Fleet: 5 trucks, 14 vans
Web site: www.helmnewyork.com

13. Mays Chemical Co., Indianapolis, Ind.
William G. Mays, President & CEO
2003 sales: $165 million
Stocking locations: 16
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chlor-alkali, esters, fatty chemicals, flavors & fragrances, food additives, others
Services: Solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, blending, contract packaging
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, paints & coatings, others
Storage: 500,000 gal, 450,000 sq ft
Fleet: 6 trucks, 3 trailers
Web site: www.mayschem.com

14. Aceto Corp., Lake Success, N.Y.
Leonard S. Schwartz, Chairman, President & CEO
2003 sales: $160 million
Stocking locations: 50
Products: Adhesives/sealants, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, others
Services: Customer product research
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, others
Web site: www.aceto.com

15. LA Chemical, South Gate, Calif.
David Miller, President
2003 sales: $151 million
Stocking locations: 10
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, others
Services: Manufacturing, hazardous waste removal, blending, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, pulp & paper, others
Storage: 2 million gal, 1.5 million sq ft
Fleet: 43 trucks, 21 vans, 24 trailers, 26 tankers, 6 railcars
Web site: www.lachem.com

16. Superior Solvents & Chemicals, Indianapolis, Ind.
Ray Roembke, President
2003 sales: $133 million
Stocking locations: 9
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, catalysts, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, chlorinated solvents, esters, others
Services: Solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, blending, technical training
Markets served: Paints & coatings, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants, others
Storage: 6 million gal, 400,000 sq ft
Fleet: 55 trucks, 70 trailers, 55 tankers
Web site: www.superiorsolvents.com

17. EMCO Chemical Distributors, North Chicago, Ill
Edward Polen, President & CEO
2003 sales: $120.1 million
Stocking locations: 1
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, catalysts, chelating agents, others
Services: Manufacturing, hazardous waste removal, blending, technical training, others
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, paints & coatings, others
Storage: 800,000 gal, 385,000 sq ft
Fleet: 19 trucks, 2 vans, 12 trailers, 25 tankers
Web site: www.emcochem.com

18. Hawkins Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.
John R.Hawkins, CEO
2003 sales: $104 million
Stocking locations: 13
Products: Acids, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, flavors & fragrances, food additives, hydrogen peroxide, inorganics
Services: Manufacturing, blending, customer product research, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, others
Storage: 12 million gal, 350,000 sq ft
Fleet: 6 trucks, 36 vans, 6 trailers, 6 tankers
Web site: www.hawkinsinc.com

18. Koda Distribution Companies (Monson), Leominster, Mass.
William Karol , President & CEO, The KODA Group
2003 sales: $104 million
Stocking locations: 20
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Blending, technical training, safety training, warehouse & logistic services
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, paints & coatings, food & beverage, plastics & rubber, others
Storage: 500,000 gal, 325,000 sq ft
Web site: www.monsonco.com

20. K.A. Steel Chemicals, Lemont, Ill.
Robert F. Steel, President & CEO
2003 sales: $100 million
Stocking locations: 14
Products: Acids, chlor-alkali, inorganics
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, glass & refractory, others
Fleet: 26 trucks, 30 tankers
Web site: www.kasteelchemicals.com

20. The C.P. Hall Company, Chicago, Ill.
George A. Vincent, Chairman & CEO
2003 sales: $100 million
Stocking locations: 14
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chelating agents, esters, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, customer product research, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 490,000 gal, 85,000 sq ft
Web site: www.cphall.com

22. PVS Chemicals, Detroit, Mich.
James B. Nicholson, President & CEO
2003 sales: $99.2 million
Stocking locations: 10
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Manufacturing, hazardous waste removal, blending, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 2.1 million gal., 200,000 sq ft
Fleet: 65 trucks, 3 vans, 76 trailers, 3 tankers, 150 railcars
Web site: www.pvschemicals.com

23. E.T. Horn Co., LaMirada, Calif.
Gene E. Alley, CEO
2003 sales: $87.9 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Adhesives & sealants, alcohols, amines, catalysts, chelating agents, esters, fatty chemicals, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, automotive, food & beverage, others
Storage: 160,000 sq ft
Fleet: 3 trucks, 2 vans, 2 trailers
Web site: www.ethorn.com

24. Callahan Chemical Co., Palmyra , N.J.
Ted Burke, President
2003 sales: $78.5 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Adhesives & sealants, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, chlorinated solvents, esters, others
Services: Blending, technical training, customer product research, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 120,000 gal, 300,000 sq ft
Fleet: 17 trucks, 4 vans, 14 trailers, 5 tankers, 3 others
Web site: www.calchem.com

25. The Plaza Group, Houston, Texas
Randy E. Velarde, President
2003 sales: $76 million
Stocking locations: 10
Products: Amines, ketones, solvents, phenol and higher olefins
Services: Business planning and consulting; chemical logistics and marketing
Markets served: Building materials, primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 2 million gal
Fleet: 150 railcars
Web site: www.theplazagrp.com

26. Pride Solvents & Chemical Co., Holtsville , N.Y.
A. W. Dhom, CEO
2003 sales: $75.4 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Alcohols, amines, chlorinated solvents, esters, fatty chemicals, glycol ethers, ketones, polyglycols, solvents, surfactants
Services: Blending, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, adhesives & sealants, soaps & detergents, pharmaceuticals
Storage: 660,000 gal, 175,000 sq ft
Fleet: 10 trucks, 7 vans, 10 trailers, 12 tankers
Web site: www.pridesol.com

27. M.F. Cachat Company, Lakewood, Ohio
Michael Cachat, President
2003 sales: $74.8 million
Stocking locations: 19
Products: Adhesives & sealants, food additives, inorganics, pigments, plasticizers, others
Services: Technical training, customer product research
Markets served: Paints & coatings, food & beverage, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants, tires & rubber
Web site: www.mfcachat.com

28. Cole Chemical & Distributing, Houston, Texas
Donna Cole, President & CEO
2003 sales: $73.2 million
Stocking locations: 4
Products: Acids, adhesives & sealants, alcohols, amines, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, customer product research, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, others
Storage: 100,000 gal, 120,000 sq ft
Fleet: 1 truck, 1 van
Web site: www.colechem.com

29. Chemicals Inc., USA, Fairfield, Ohio
Martin Wehr, President
2003 sales: $70 million
Stocking locations: 6
Products: Acids, adhesives & sealants, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, catalysts, others
Services: Solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, blending, technical training, customer product research, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, others
Storage: 2 million gal, 200,000 sq ft
Fleet: 21 trucks, 9 vans, 18 trailers, 3 tankers
Web site: www.chemgroup.com

29. Wego Chemical & Mineral Corp., Great Neck, N.Y.
Bert Eshaghpour, President
2003 sales: $70 million
Stocking locations: 15
Products: Acids, alcohols, chelating agents, esters, food additives, inorganics, pigments, thickening agents, water treatment, swimming pool
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Web site: www.wegochem.com

31. H.M. Royal, Trenton, N.J.
Joseph E. Royal, President
2003 sales: $68 million
Stocking locations: 10
Products: Adhesives & sealants, pigments, resins, thickening agents, fatty acid
Markets served: Plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants, tires & rubber
Fleet: 1 trucks, 5 trailers
Web site: www.hmroyal.com

32. Barton Solvents, Des Moines , Iowa
David Casten, President
2003 sales: $67 million
Stocking locations: 6
Products: Alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlorinated solvents, esters, fatty chemicals, glycol ethers, inorganics, ketones, others
Services: Solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, blending, others
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, glass & refractory, others
Storage: 3.5 million gal, 280,000 sq ft
Fleet: 66 trucks, 35 vans, 79 tankers
Web site: www.barsol.com

33. Westco Chemicals, North Hollywood, Calif.
Alan Zwillinger, President
2003 sales: $64.8 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Acids, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, fatty chemicals, flavors & fragrances, food additives, others
Services: Blending, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 200,000 sq ft
Web site: www.westcochemicals.com

34. Ribelin Sales, Garland, Texas
Michael A. Ribelin, President & CEO
2003 sales: $63.1 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Pigments, resins, surfactants, thickening agents, containers
Services: Contract packaging
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants
Storage: 225,000 sq ft
Fleet: 12 trucks, 3 vans
Web site: www.ribelin.com

35. Solvents and Chemicals, Pearland, Texas
Gabriel Baizan, President
2003 sales: $ 63 million
Stocking locations: 4
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Blending, customer product research, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, automotive, petroleum refining, others
Storage: 1.2 million gal, 200,000 sq ft
Fleet: 10 trucks, 7 vans, 13 tankers, 1 railcar
Web site: www.solvchem.com

36. Prince Agri Products, Quincy, Ill.
Marvin S. Sussman, President
2003 sales: $62 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Flavors & fragrances, pigments, minerals
Services: Blending, contract packaging, mineral analysis
Markets served: Agriculture
Storage: 115,000 sq ft
Web site: www.princeagri.com

37. Ulrich Chemical, Indianapolis, Ind.
Edward M. Pitkin, President
2003 sales: $59 million
Stocking locations: 7
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Manufacturing, solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, blending, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 1.09 million gal, 300,000 sq ft
Web site: www.ulrichchem.com

38. Archway Sales, St. Louis, Mo.
John T. Baumstark, President
2003 sales: $58 million
Stocking locations: 10
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, catalysts, esters, fatty chemicals, food additives, hydrogen peroxide, lubricants, pigments, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 12,000 gal
Web site: www.archwaysales.com

39. Durr Marketing Associates, Pittsburgh, Pa.
David R. Durr, President
2003 sales: $57.5 million
Stocking locations: 6
Products: Catalysts, hydrogen peroxide, inorganics, lubricants, pigments, plasticizers, resins, thickening agents
Services: Technical training
Markets served: Paints & coatings, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants
Web site: www.durrmarketing.com

40. Coyne Chemical, Croydon, Pa.
Thomas H. Coyne, President & CEO
2003 sales: $55.1 million
Stocking locations: 4
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chelating agents, others
Services: Blending, customer product research, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 130,000 gal, 205,000 sq ft
Web site: www.coynechemical.com

41. Industrial Chemicals Inc., Birmingham, Ala.
William L. Welch, President
2003 sales: $53.2 million
Stocking locations: 10
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, others
Services: Blending, contract packaging, terminaling
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 725,000 gal, 351,000 sq ft
Fleet: 32 trucks, 21 trailers, 7 tankers
Web site: www.industrialchem.com

42. Gallard-Schlesinger Industries, Plainville, N.Y.
Jelle Westra, CFO
2003 sales: $53 million
Stocking locations: 15
Products: Acids, amines, food additives, inorganics, phosphate and minerals
Services: Manufacturing, technical training, customer product research, formulations
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Web site: www.gallard.com

43. Whitaker Oil Co., Atlanta, Ga.
Bart Whitaker, President & CEO
2003 sales: $52.9 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, chlorinated solvents, esters, glycol ethers, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 14.5 million gal, 120,000 sq ft
Fleet: 13 trucks, 2 vans, 4 trailers, 19 tankers, 13 railcars
Web site: www.whitakeroil.com

44. G.S. Robins and Company, St. Louis, Mo.
G. Stephen Robins, President
2003 sales: $51 million
Stocking locations: 9
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chelating agents, others
Services: Manufacturing, solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 700,000 gal, 2.7 million sq ft
Fleet: 15 trucks, 35 vans, 4 tankers
Web site: www.gsrobins.com

45. Rowell Chemical Corp., Hinsdale, Ill.
Nat J. Rowell, CEO
2003 sales: $50.5 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, customer product research, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 7.2 million gal, 240,000 sq ft
Fleet: 12 trucks, 10 vans, 8 trailers, 64 tankers, 23 railcars

46. Tilley Chemical Co., Baltimore, Md.
John M. Tilley, President
2003 sales: $46.4 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, others
Services: Contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 125,000 gal, 100,000 sq ft
Fleet: 15 trucks, 3 vans, 10 trailers, 13 tankers
Web site: www.tilleychem.com

47. Tanner Industries, Southampton, Pa.
S. Brad Tanner, President & COO
2003 sales: $45.7 million
Stocking locations: 18
Products: Anhydrous ammonia, ammonium hydroxide
Services: Blending, technical training, safety training, ammonia response training, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 1.2 million gal, 75,000 sq ft
Fleet: 6 trucks, 2 vans, 104 tankers, 134 railcars
Web site: www.tannerind.com

48. D.H. Litter Co., Elmsford, N.Y.
Michael A. Granito, President & CEO
2003 sales: $45.5 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Adhesives & sealants, aldehydes, amines, catalysts, esters, others
Services: Technical training, customer product research
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, paints & coatings, others
Storage: 100,000 sq ft
Web site: www.dhlitter.com

49. Walsh & Associates, St. Louis, Mo.
Ellen M. Murphy, President & CEO
2003 sales: $42.9 million
Stocking locations: 7
Products: Acids, amines, catalysts, chelating agents, esters, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, others
Storage: 26,000 gal, 200,000 sq ft
Fleet: 3 trucks, 2 trailers
Web site: www.walsh-assoc.com

50. Chemroy Canada, Brampton, Ontario
John Graham, President
2003 sales: $42 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Amines, catalysts, fatty chemicals, flavors & fragrances, food additives, glycol ethers, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, automotive, others
Storage: 30,000 sq ft
Web site: www.chemroy.ca

51. McCullough & Associates, Atlanta, Ga.
George L. McCullough, President
2003 sales: $41.2 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Catalysts, chelating agents, fatty chemicals, food additives, inorganics, lubricants, others
Services: Technical training, safety training, plant design & equipment from tanks to filling machines
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, glass & refractory, others
Storage: 65,000 sq ft
Web site: www.mccanda.com

52. Charkit Chemical Corp., Darien, Conn.
Charles A. Hinnant, President
2003 sales: $41 million
Stocking locations: 13
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, esters, others
Services: Blending, contract packaging, toll manufacturing
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 160,000 sq ft
Web site: www.charkit.com

53. Dorsett & Jackson, Los Angeles, Calif.
Don Witteman, President
2003 sales: $40.4 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Inorganics, pigments, polyglycols, resins, surfactants, thickening agents
Markets served: Paints & coatings, food & beverage, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants
Storage: 35,000 sq ft
Fleet: 1 trucks, 1 trailers
Web site: www.dorsettandjackson.com

54. The Chemical Company, Jamestown, R.I.
Robert N. Roach, Jr., President & CEO
2003 sales: $40 million
Stocking locations: 13
Products: Acids, adhesives & sealants, alcohols, catalysts, chlorinated solvents, others
Services: Manufacturing, solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, blending, customer product research
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 200,000 gal, 150,000 sq ft
Web site: www.thechemco.com

55. Ideal Chemical & Supply Co., Memphis, Tenn.
Sam Block Jr., President
2003 sales: $38 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 1.5 million gal, 170,000 sq ft
Fleet: 15 trucks, 20 trailers, 3 tankers
Web site: www.idealchemical.com

56. Dar-Tech, Cleveland, Ohio
Walt Walburn, President
2003 sales: $34 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Pigments, resins, surfactants, thickening agents, waxes, mineral fillers
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, paints & coatings, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants
Storage: 45,000 sq ft
Web site: www.dar-techinc.com

57. Astro Chemicals, Springfield, Mass.
Chris Diamond, President
2003 sales: $32 million
Stocking locations: 1
Products: Acids, adhesives & sealants, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, others
Services: Blending, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 60 million gal, 60 million sq ft
Fleet: 10 trucks, 5 trailers, 2 tankers
Web site: www.astrochemicals.com

58. Chemsolv, Roanoke, Va.
L. Glenn Austin, President
2003 sales: $30 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Manufacturing, solvent reclamation, hazardous waste removal, blending, technical training, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 1 million gal, 130,000 sq ft
Fleet: 21 trucks, 12 trailers, 12 tankers
Web site: www.chemsolv.com

58. HB Chemical Corp., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Hill Browning, President & CEO
2003 sales: $30 million
Stocking locations: 8
Products: Amines, esters, fatty chemicals, plasticizers, resins, rubber, synthetic rubber, zinc oxide, silica
Services: Blending, bulk break
Markets served: Paints & coatings, plastics & rubber, tires & rubber , pharmaceuticals
Storage: 200,000 sq ft
Web site: www.hbchemical.com

58. Tarr, LLC, Portland, Ore.
Skip Tarr, President
2003 sales: $30 million
Stocking locations: 4
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chelating agents, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, others
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, others
Storage: 500,000 gal, 65,000 sq ft
Fleet: 6 trucks, 6 vans, 6 trailers, 8 tankers
Web site: www.tarrllc.com

61. Hubbard-Hall, Waterbury, Conn.
Andrew K. Skipp, President
2003 sales: $29.1 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Manufacturing, hazardous waste removal, others
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, automotive, others
Storage: 100,000 gal, 75,000 sq ft
Fleet: 8 trucks, 2 vans, 12 trailers, 3 tankers
Web site: www.hubbard-hall.com

62. Van Horn, Metz & Co., Conshohocken, Pa.
H. Morgan Smith, President
2003 sales: $29 million
Stocking locations: 6
Products: Adhesives & sealants, amines, catalysts, esters, others
Services: Technical training, safety training
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, automotive, others
Storage: 1 million sq ft
Web site: www.vanhornmetz.com

63. Independent Chemical Corp., Glendale, N.Y.
Stanley Spielman, President
2003 sales: $28 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 10,000 gal, 80,000 sq ft
Fleet: 1 vans, 5 trailers

63. Young Chemical Co., Brook Park, Ohio
Todd Kroehle, Vice President
2003 sales: $28 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, food additives, others
Services: Technical training, customer product research, safety training, repackaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Storage: 100,000 gal, 225,000 sq ft
Fleet: 5 trucks, 7 trailers
Web site: www.youngchemical.com

65. TransChemical St., Louis, Mo.
W. Fletcher Stovall, President
2003 sales: $27 million
Stocking locations: 1
Products: Alcohols, amines, chlorinated solvents, esters, glycol ethers, ketones, solvents, surfactants
Services: Solvent reclamation, blending
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 1.1 million gal, 60,000 sq ft
Fleet: 4 trucks, 1 vans, 2 trailers, 10 tankers, 3 railcars
Web site: www.transchemical.com

66. Webb Chemical Service, Muskegon Heights, Mich.
Robert Hilleary, President
2003 sales: $26 million
Stocking locations: 1
Products: Acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Blending, customer product research, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, pulp & paper, others
Storage: 114,000 gal, 60,000 sq ft
Fleet: 10 trucks, 1 vans, 6 trailers, 16 tankers
Web site: www.webbchemical.com

67. TCR Industries, La Palma, Calif.
A.S. Rumfola, CEO
2003 sales: $25 million
Stocking locations: 6
Products: Amines, esters, flavors & fragrances, food additives, inorganics, lubricants, pigments, resins, surfactants, thickening agents
Services: Technical training, customer product research
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, food & beverage, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants, soaps & detergents, ink, construction products
Web site: www.tcrindustries.com

67. TH Hilson Co., Wheaton, Ill.
Terry Hilson, CEO
2003 sales: $25 million
Stocking locations: 6
Products: Adhesives & sealants, amines, catalysts, inorganics, lubricants, pigments, resins, thickening agents
Markets served: Cosmetics & personal care, paints & coatings, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants
Web site: www.thhilson.com

69. Matteson Ridolfi, Riverview, Mich.
Scot Westerbeek, CEO & Treasurer
2003 sales: $23.5 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Amines, catalysts, flavors & fragrances, food additives, pigments, resins, specialty quats, surfactants, thickening agents
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, glass & refractory, paints & coatings, automotive, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants, soaps & detergents, pharmaceuticals
Storage: 40,000 sq ft
Web site: www.mattrid.com

70. Chemisphere Corp., St. Louis, Mo.
Robert Schwent, President
2003 sales: $22.7 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Acids, alcohols, chlorinated solvents, esters, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, automotive, screenprinting
Storage: 1.1 million gal, 65,000 sq ft
Fleet: 6 trucks, 1 vans, 2 trailers, 14 tankers, 14 railcars
Web site: www.chemispherecorp.com

71. John R. Hess & Co., Cranston, R.I.
Peter Hess, President
2003 sales: $22.4 million
Stocking locations: 1
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, catalysts, chelating agents, others
Services: Blending, customer product research
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 45,000 sq ft
Fleet: 4 trucks
Web site: www.jrhess.com

72. TR International Trading, Seattle, Wash.
Anthony M. Ridnell, President
2003 sales: $21.8 million
Stocking locations: 1
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chlor-alkali, chlorinated solvents, esters, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Web site: www.tritrading.com

73. Industrial Chemicals Corp., Arvada, Colo.
Robert L. Wilson II, President
2003 sales: $21.6 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Blending
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, glass & refractory, others
Storage: 740,000 gal, 30,000 sq ft
Fleet: 11 trucks, 2 vans, 15 tankers
Web site: www.industrialchemcorp.com

74. Chem One Ltd., Houston, Texas
Terry Podlogar, President
2003 sales: $21.4 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Acids, chlor-alkali, food additives, inorganics, thickening agents
Services: Blending, contract packaging
Markets served: Municipal, petroleum refining, food and beverage, soaps and detergents, agriculture
Storage: 88,000 sq ft
Web site: www.chemone.com

75. E.W. Kaufmann, Southampton, Pa.
Bernard J. Burke, President
2003 sales: $21 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Amines, catalysts, pigments, plasticizers, resins, surfactants, thickening agents
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 100,000 sq ft
Web site: www.ewkaufmann.com

76. Seeler Industries, Joliet, Ill.
Dean Almquist, President & COO
2003 sales: $19.3 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Acids, amines, chlor-alkali, esters, hydrogen peroxide
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, customer product research, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, pulp & paper, others
Storage: 345,000 gal, 300,000 sq ft
Fleet: 3 trucks, 3 vans, 5 trailers, 3 tankers
Web site: www.seelerindustries.com

77. Sarcom, Saratoga Springs, N.Y
Stephen M. Strouse, CEO
2003 sales: $19 million
Stocking locations: 6
Products: Flavors & fragrances, thickening agents
Services: Blending, contract packaging
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals
Storage: 15,000 gal, 25,000 sq ft
Fleet: 2 trucks
Web site: www.sarcominc.com

78. Dowd and Guild, San Ramon, Calif.
Tom Dowd, CEO
2003 sales: $18.7 million
Stocking locations: 6
Products: Catalysts, pigments, plasticizers, resins, surfactants, thickening agents, biocides, oils, industrial starches, waxes, minerals
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants, electronics, metals, agriculture
Web site: www.dowdandguild.com

79. Quaker City Chemicals, Philadelphia, Pa.
Lee Metzman, President
2003 sales: $18.7 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Alcohols, amines, ketones, plasticizers, solvents, surfactants
Services: Blending, technical training, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 75,000 gal, 35,000 sq ft
Fleet: 2 trucks, 1 tanker
Web site: www.chemical.net

80. BHS Marketing LLC, Salt Lake City, Utah
Bruce H. Schechinger, President
2003 sales: $17.7 million
Stocking locations: 10
Products: Acids, alcohols, chlor-alkali, chlorinated solvents, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, contract packaging, transloading
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, others
Storage: 230,500 gal, 60,000 sq ft
Fleet: 6 trucks, 5 vans, 4 trailers, 6 tankers
Web site: www.bhsmarketing.com

81. Schibley Solvents & Chemicals Co., Elyria, Ohio
Kris B. Schibley, CEO
2003 sales: $17.5 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Alcohols, amines, catalysts, chelating agents, esters, fatty chemicals, others
Services: Blending, technical training, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 10,000 gal, 60,000 sq ft
Fleet: 4 trucks, 5 trailers, 1 tankers
Web site: www.schibley.com

82. Deeks and Co., Cincinnati, Ohio
G. Neal Overbey, President & CEO
2003 sales: $17 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Adhesives & sealants, catalysts, food additives, inorganics, others
Services: Technical training, customer product research
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, automotive, others
Storage: 60,000 sq ft
Web site: www.deeksandco.com

82. Skyhawk Chemicals, Houston, Texas
Clark Knickerbocker , President
2003 sales: $17 million
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chlor-alkali, glycol ethers, hydrogen peroxide, inorganics, ketones, solvents
Services: Safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, pulp & paper, others
Web site: www.skyhawkchemicals.com

82. Vivion, San Carlos, Calif.
Edward Poleselli, President
2003 sales: $17 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, esters, others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, paints & coatings, others
Storage: 60,000 sq ft
Fleet: 4 trucks, 1 van, 2 trailers
Web site: www.vivioninc.com

85. Alchem Chemical, Atlanta, Ga.
Bart Whitaker, President
2003 sales: $16.8 million
Stocking locations: 1
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Technical training, customer product research, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 100,000 gal, 30,000 sq ft
Fleet: 1 vans, 2 trailers, 3 tankers
Web site: www.alchemchemical.com

86. Alexander Chemical Corp., Lisle, Ill.
Gillman J. Leavitt, President & CEO
2003 sales: $16.5 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Acids, chlor-alkali, hydrogen peroxide, industrial gases, inorganics
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, contract packaging, safety training
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 1 million gal, 150,000 sq ft
Fleet: 15 trucks, 8 vans, 10 trailers, 8 tankers
Web site: www.alexanderchemical.com

87. Slack Chemical Co., Carthage, N.Y.
Robert R. Sturtz, President & CEO
2003 sales: $16.4 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, safety training
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, glass & refractory, others
Storage: 600,000 gal, 175,000 sq ft
Fleet: 30 trucks, 25 trailers, 30 tankers, 5 other
Web site: www.slackchem.com

88. Norman, Fox & Co., City of Commerce, Calif.
Richard Cleek, President & COO
2003 sales: $15.8 million
Stocking locations: 7
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, esters, fatty chemicals, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, automotive, others
Storage: 200,000 gal, 50,000 sq ft
Fleet: 3 trucks, 3 trailers, 2 tankers
Web site: www.norfox.ws

89. Dunleary, Towson, Md.
Joseph F. Behan, CEO
2003 sales: $15.7 million
Stocking locations: 4
Products: Adhesives & sealants, catalysts, food additives,others
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, pulp & paper, glass & refractory, others
Storage: 525,000
Web site: www.dunleary.com

90. DeWolf Chemical, East Providence, R.I.
Henry DeWolf, President
2003 sales: $13.5 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Acids, chelating agents, esters, fatty chemicals, flavors & fragrances, hydrogen peroxide, others
Services: Customer product research
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 20,000 sq ft
Web site: www.dewolfchem.com

91. J.F. Shelton Co., Kent, Wash.
Rick Strellman, General Manager
2003 sales: $13.4 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Adhesives & sealants, esters, food additives, inorganics, others
Markets served: Glass & refractory, paints & coatings, municipal, petroleum refining, food & beverage, others
Storage: 90,000 sq ft
Fleet: 2 trucks
Web site: www.jfshelton.com

92. Miles Chemical Co., Arleta, Calif.
Anthony Miles , President
2003 sales: $12.8 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Acids, alcohols, amines, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, others
Services: Manufacturing, hazardous waste removal, blending, contract packaging
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 10,000 gal, 56,000 sq ft
Fleet: 8 trucks, 4 vans, 6 trailers, 2 other
Web site: www.mileschemical.com

93. A.G. Layne, Los Angeles, Calif.
Michael D. Lee, President
2003 sales: $12.5 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Alcohols, chlorinated solvents, esters, glycol ethers, ketones, others
Services: Blending, technical training, contract packaging
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, others
Storage: 30,000 gal, 20,000 sq ft
Fleet: 5 trucks, 2 tankers
Email: mlee@earthlink.net

94. Gulf Coast Chemical, Abbeville, La.
Jim Fusilier, President
2003 sales: $12.4 million
Stocking locations: 5
Products: Alcohols, amines, lubricants, solvents
Services: Blending, technical training, contract packaging, safety training
Storage: 288,000 gal, 44,000 sq ft
Fleet: 11 trucks, 4 trailers
Web site: www.gulfcoastchemical.com

95. Morre-Tec Industries, Union, N.J.
Len Glass, President
2003 sales: $10.3 million
Stocking locations: 3
Products: Adhesives & sealants, food additives, inorganics, specialty quats, bromine compounds
Services: Blending, contract packaging, grinding, micronizing
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, cosmetics/personal care, others
Storage: 15,000 sq ft
Web site: www.morretec.com

96. DB Becker Co., Clinton, N.J.
Daniel T. Canavan, President
2003 sales: $10 million
Stocking locations: 2
Products: Catalysts, esters, pigments, plasticizers, resins, surfactants, emulsions
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, automotive, others
Storage: 20,000 sq ft
Web site: www.dbbecker.com

97. J.H. Calo Co., Westbury, N.Y.
Catherine H. Canavan, President
2003 sales: $9.7 million
Stocking locations: 4
Products: Acids, adhesives & sealants, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, catalysts, others
Services: Technical training, customer product research, safety training, international trade seminars
Markets served: Primary chemical processing, others
Web site: www.jhcalo.com

98. A.T. Callas Co., Troy, Mich.
Liana C. Roberts, President
2003 sales: $9 million
Stocking locations: 1
Products: Pigments, resins, thickening agents
Markets served: Paints & coatings, plastics & rubber, adhesives & sealants
Storage: 35,000 sq ft
Web site: www.atcallas.com

99. Boehle Chemicals, Southfield, Mich.
Tedd Strobehn, President
2003 sales: $7.7 million
Stocking locations: 1
Products: Amines, catalysts, fatty chemicals, hydrogen peroxide, pigments, others
Services: Technical training
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, paints & coatings, others
Storage: 100,000 sq ft

100. CA Specialities, Ltd., Chester, S.C.
Cathy A. Clark, President
2003 sales: $6 million
Stocking locations: 1
Products: Alcohols, esters, fatty chemicals, flavors & fragrances, others
Services: Manufacturing, blending, technical training, others
Markets served: Cosmetics/personal care, automotive, soaps & detergents, pharmaceuticals
Storage: 6,000 gal, 15,000 sq ft
Web site: www.ca-specialities.com

 

Don't count out the alliances

Added together, sales for 2003 of the 13 independent chemical distributors that make up Omni-Chem 136 ($1.1 billion) place the alliance in the fourth slot on Purchasing's Top 100 Chemical Distributor list for 2004, right between Brenntag ($1.5 billion) and CHEMCENTRAL ($890 million).

A year ago, Omni-Chem 136 held the same spot, again between Brenntag and CHEMCENTRAL with slightly lower sales in 2002.

Similarly, the 18 independent chemical distributors belonging to the Chemical Distribution Network (CDN) have sales as a group of $450 million, which would place this alliance at number 6 on the list, following ICC Chemical Corp. CDN was in the same post a year ago too.

Omni-Chem 136 and the CDN are alliances-independent chemical distributors that band together to more effectively compete against some of the larger companies on Purchasing's list. While they may help one another to meet requirements of regional, national or in some cases global (Omni-Chem partners with the European Chemical Distribution Alliance) agreements, they are individual companies and are listed as such.

The independent chemical distributors that belong to the Omni-Chem 136 alliance are: Canada Colors & Chemicals, Coyne Chemical, G.S. Robbins and Company, Hubbard-Hall, Hydrite Chemical, Ideal Chemical & Supply, Industrial Chemicals Inc., Los Angeles Chemical, PVS Chemicals, Solvents and Chemicals, Tarr LLC, Tilley Chemical Co. and Ulrich Chemical.

Together, these distributors have 83 locations, 14.8 million gal. of bulk storage, and more than 3 million sq ft of storage space.

Products distributed include acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, calibration fluids, chelating agents, chlor-alkali, chlorinated solvents, esters, fatty chemicals, flavors & fragrances, food additives, glycol ethers, hydrogen peroxide, industrial gases, inorganics, ketones, lubricants, pigments, plasticizers, polyglycols, resins, solvents, specialty chemicals, specialty cleaners, specialty quats, surfactants and thickening agents.

Services common to most or specific to a few members, include rail and truck terminaling, mixing and blending, packaging, environmental regulatory expertise, ERP, barcoding, supplier-managed inventory, remote bulk monitoring, technical service and developmental laboratory research, particle modification, U.S. Gulf Coast access for importing and exporting and others.

Likewise, chemical distributors belonging to the Chemical Distribution Network provide service and quality of small, family-owned businesses yet have capability to compete with some of the bigger regional and national players. Members of the CDN work together to take advantage of their economies of scale and share best practices especially on ways to better manage costs for customers who have multi-distributor agreements with the alliance.

"The small to mid-sized chemical distributor has always had a very strong value proposition for the marketplace," says Chris Coates, executive director, CDN. Coates was named to this post in December. "The opportunity to leverage our combined strengths and resources in collaboration with the global marketplace will create significant value for our member companies, their customers and our global industry partners."

Chemical distributors that are members of CDN are: Astro Chemicals, Brown Chemical, Chemical Distribution Inc., Industrial Chemicals, John R. Hess & Co., Hukill Chemical, Lowe Chemical, Maryland Chemical, Producers Chemical, Seeler Industries, Superior Solvents & Chemicals, VIKING Chemical, Webb Chemical, Whitaker Oil and the ChemGroup Companies which consists of Specialty Chemical, Chemical Resources, Chemicals Inc., Chemical Services and Bonded Chemicals. The five chemical distributorships belonging to the ChemGroup Companies cover a 10-state region of the Southeastern U.S.

CDN's members have geographic scope that covers the U.S. east of the Mississippi River and "will be expanding its geographic membership base throughout 2004," says Coates. The alliance has 41 stocking locations and capability to provide such services as small packages to rail terminals to barge facilities, LTL (less than truckload) quantities, repackaging, blending and small batches.

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