Library: Resources & Media
Press Releases
ChemQuest Expands Operational Excellence Bench with Two New Directors
The ChemQuest Group has appointed two new directors, Ty Dawson, Ph.D., and Meghan Patel. Both will primarily contribute to projects in the firm’s Operational Excellence business pillar, which supports clients with identifying, implementing, and sustaining improvements in manufacturing processes and production.
Two Global Industry Leaders Join ChemQuest as Directors
The ChemQuest Group has appointed two new directors with extensive global specialty chemicals and materials experience, Michael Henningsen, Ph.D., and Graeme Roan, Ph.D. Both will support clients in the Business Strategy & Transformation, Technology Development, and M&A Advisory pillars. In addition, Henningsen will also bring his expertise to projects related to Operational & Manufacturing Efficiencies.
ChemQuest Expands Business Development Team, Names Four VPs
The ChemQuest Group has elevated four directors to vice president roles with the goal of enhancing the firm’s business development activities. Eric Casebolt, Rich Gibson, Crystal Morrison, and Prem Patel are now all focused on driving new business across the firm’s four main pillars.
Market Reports
Articles
The Challenges of Product Development in the Coatings Industry
Raw material suppliers that aspire to enter new segments within the coatings industry may find themselves going “back to the drawing board” as it becomes clear the products they develop do not provide a strong value proposition to their customers. These companies should consider shortening their product development cycle by acquiring personnel with relevant coatings experience or partnering with an experienced third party to support their product development efforts.
Navigating Geopolitical Challenges
In light of the recent U.S. presidential election, many companies are looking to take proactive measures to plan for anticipated import tariff increases. President-elect Trump suggested he would impose tariffs of 60-100% on some China-produced goods imported to the U.S., and he favors a 20% universal tariff for all other countries. The higher costs associated with these tariffs are certainly challenging. The question is: What is the best course of action for your business?
ChemQuest Q&A: Prem Patel
Prem Patel describes his life as “one giant episode of ‘How It’s Made,’” and rightly so. Fueled by insatiable curiosity, he is a lifelong learner who has a knack for picking up information and channeling it to solve problems and identify opportunities. After joining ChemQuest this year, Prem quickly became involved in numerous business strategy projects, as well as our expanded focus on business development efforts. I recently had the opportunity to chat with him about his background and experience, as well as trends he’s tracking in the specialty chemicals and advanced materials sectors.
ASTM Editorial and Terminology Standards
This ASTM column is a bit different from previous ones that delved into testing standards and their foibles, histories, how-to instructions, and analytical results. The main theme of this writing is terminology—which, when dissected, leads to exact meaning, precise communication, and a clear understanding of the definitions assigned to various technologies and technical standards. Each of the more than 140 ASTM Committees has an important standard in the library that is often ignored. This standard governs definitions for each subject category, and yet, it generally goes unnoticed during most Committee Weeks. Often people become aware of this standard when one of their customers questions a specific issue by quoting one of the definitions.
Sourcing Assembly Adhesives: A Case Study for End Users
The ultimate goal when sourcing adhesive products is to find the optimal balance of properties. This process can be challenging for OEMs and other manufacturing companies, however, which may not have a thorough understanding of adhesive formulations/performance and whose personnel typically do not have a background in chemistry. A manufacturer of architectural products ran into these challenges as it saw demand increase significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, its long-time overseas adhesive supplier could not keep up with the higher volume.
A Wild Ride for U.S. Construction and Housing: Coatings and Adhesives Opportunities in 2024 and Beyond
Numerous economic factors, combined with evolving trends in nonresidential construction, present a unique landscape for the coatings and adhesives industries, which play a critical role in both residential and commercial construction projects. The figures presented throughout this article, sourced from ChemQuest TraQr®, illustrate the complex dynamics driving these markets and provide a deeper understanding of where the opportunities and challenges lie for the coatings and adhesives sectors.