Booth 703 at PaperCon 2016. Sounds less than exciting doesn’t it? Unless you happen to stop by to see what in the world TAPPI’s Newest Sustaining Member Company is all about. I am told that they are the largest privately held chemical company in this section. What makes them different? "The aforementioned status allows us to be customer-centric rather than on shareholder’s stock prices." said Bill Marullo, GM.

 

My first encounter with Axchem came earlier this year at TAPPI’s 19th Student Summit in January in Portland, Me. One of the University of Maine’s Alumni made the trek back to speak to the students. Folks, I was amazed at the positive spirit and contagious personality that Sr. Sales Consultant of Axchem, Addie Nadeau, demonstrated about her school, her company, and this great industry that we serve and love. 

 

After she spoke, I sought her out to find out more about Axchem. She reminded me that they were TAPPI’s newest Sustaining Member and they would be exhibiting at PaperCon 2016 in Cincinnati.

 

I had to see for myself. So back to Booth 703. I set up a time and went to visit, and, low and behold, they were right where Addie said they would be.

 

 

 

In photo (l-r) are: Addie Nadeau, sr. sales consultant; Bill Marullo, GM, Axchem USA: Larry Montague; and Irenee Philippe, strategic marketing manager.

 

During our conversation, I ask all three to tell me what they wanted the world to know about Axchem. Here are some of their comments: 

• Serving Industry since 1983
• Started as Axchem Solutions
• In 2009, they had a corporate redesign that resulted in a non-traditional approach to specialty chemicals—backwards integration with manufacturing. Core focus is polymer chemistry (flocculants, coagulants, dispersants, dry strengths)
• They are very transparent with their customers..."we either make the product ourselves or we let you know where we source our products"
• The Axchem model helps protect its customers' supply and their bottom line
• Axchem is based out of Greensboro, N.C., and is a member of AXCHEM HOLDING, Delaware, USA 
• Axchem has 15 affiliates globally
• 11 U.S. and Canadian manufacturing facilities focus is on uptime that increases pounds through the plants = a more cost effective system for the company’s customers.

In addition, they hire experienced papermakers for their sales force, which brings value and understanding to their customers. Axchem focuses on paper machine applications, coating applications, water treatment, and waste treatment and utilities applications.

 

Safety (something that is near and dear to TAPPI’s heart) is the No. 1 success driven criteria for all of their manufacturing facilities. They are ISO9001:2008 certified and a proud partner of the American Chemistry Council’s RCMS®. Their manufacturing base was awarded the American Chemistry Council’s 2015 Facility Safety Certificate.

 

Axchem’s achievements and expansion investments for the future are too many to mention in this space.

 

For more information on Axchem, please contact Addie Nadeau anadeau@axchemusa.com or Jason Turner 

 

More information about TAPPI is available online.