CHEMWORLD
WINTER/SPRING 1995
Novaquim Strengthens Uniroyal Chemical’s Expansion Efforts
When Uniroyal Chemical fully acquired Novaquim S.A. de C.V. in Mexico from its former joint venture partner Cydsa in July 1993, it hailed the event as a “milestone in the company’s drive toward globalization” and a sign of its “solid commitment to a worldwide customer base and to specialty rubber chemicals, polymers, and urethane markets in Mexico.” Today, Novaquim is proving itself to be more than just a milestone and symbol of commitment.
Under the leadership of Managing Director Rodolfo Montemayor, Novaquim is a pivotal sales and manufacturing organization which allows Uniroyal Chemical to position itself more strongly to serve Mexico and Latin American markets.
“Since the early 1970s, Novaquim has continued to build an outstanding reputation in Mexico as a producer of superior quality products,” said Montemayor. “Our customers continually put our products to the test, and they demand that our products meet the most stringent quality standards for performance. The feedback we’ve received indicates that we’re achieving the highest levels of satisfaction with our customers. We are very proud of this achievement.”
Novaquim is primarily engaged in the manufacture of specialty rubber chemicals for the tire and rubber processing markets, and since 1985, specialty chemicals and polyurethanes for the plastics, petroleum, food additives and recreational markets. Among the key products manufactured at Novaquim’s Tampico facility are a broad range of antioxidants, antiozonants, and other rubber additives such as: Novazone® AS, Tuex Thiram®, Naugard® P/HR, Flexzone® 7F, BLE® 25 and Naugard S.
The Tampico plant, which currently employs almost 100 associates (48 additional associates work at Novaquim’s Mexico City sales office), has helped Uniroyal Chemical meet its goal of establishing research, production, and marketing support capabilities in
▲ Novaquim’s Rubber Chemical processing facility in Tampico, Mexico.
Latin America, and further enhances the company’s plans to build upon its international presence.
Since the acquisition of Novaquim, the United States, Mexico and Canada have entered into the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has opened new doors for increased growth.
According to Montemayor, “Among NAFTA’s brightest promises are the opportunities it creates for the growth of the automotive industry in Mexico. This will particularly benefit both Novaquim and Uniroyal Chemical as our already strong position as a supplier in this market will be reinforced by increased demand for specialty rubber chemicals among tire manufacturers.”
Looking ahead, Montemayor also
notes that Mexico is signing free-trade agreements with countries in Central and South America as well.
“I believe that Uniroyal Chemical’s presence in Mexico through Novaquim will put the company in a unique position to make further in-roads into these Central and South American markets,” said Montemayor. “These markets hold so much potential in the near term. And Novaquim places Uniroyal Chemical one step closer than the competition to these opportunities — not only in terms of geography, but also in capabilities and valuable knowledge of the culture and business environment. This can only help Uniroyal Chemical to successfully continue the momentum of its expansion efforts.” ■
Annual Total Quality Recognition Awards Celebrated
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Chemical to a strong place in the global chemical community – as evidenced by his successful role in licensing the company’s technology for ABS, TPR, LATEX, ROVEL®, ROYALENE® and Crop Protection chemicals to companies around the world.
After recognizing the emergence of Japan as a significant source of technology, Eli put into place valuable monitoring systems to identify new technologies important to Uniroyal Chemical. He has also worked closely with the former Soviet Union, and more recently, with China to advocate joint
ventures and licensing technology to help strengthen the company’s multi-product portfolio and customer base.
In 1992, Eli was honored as the recipient of Uniroyal Chemical’s Robert W. Brown Award, which recognizes associates who have shown technical excellence, enthusiasm and high ethical standards throughout their careers.
Eli’s global vision, intrinsic understanding of the importance and value of changing technology, and an admired honesty and integrity which permeates all his business relationships have contributed to his lifelong success. ■
BRIEFS
USDA Authorizes Fireban™ For Imported Fire Ant Control
Uniroyal Chemical has announced that the use of Fireban™ insecticide has been approved by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for use as a soil treatment for the control of imported fire ants in the Imported Fire Ant Quarantine Program and/or the Imported Fire Ant Free Nursery Program.
“Long residual insecticides blended into nursery potting media is one of the most cost-effective measures for preventing the spread of imported fire ants in nursery stock,” said Homer Collins, Fire Ant Station Leader, USDA.
The USDA’s final ruling, published in the Federal Register, provides for the immediate use of Fireban in soil media for containerized and balled/burlapped ornamentals certified for interstate movement from quarantine areas.
More than 2,600 greenhouses and nurseries throughout most of the South are affected by the ruling.
According to Laureen Treu, business director for Uniroyal Chemical’s Specialty Chemical’s Crop Protection Division, “Fireban is a highly-effective insecticide giving consistent control of imported fire ants. The USDA action gives producers of ornamental plants in quarantine areas a cost-effective alternative in treating soil and potting media to prevent the infestation and spread of imported fire ants.”
USDA authorized use rates vary from 10 ppm to 25 ppm, depending on the desired length of certification. Treatments with Fireban must be used in accordance with all USDA guidelines established for the Imported Fire Ant Program and/or the Imported Fire Ant Free Nursery Program.
A synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, Fireban is a granular product containing 1.5% of the active ingredient tefluthrin. Fireban will be available in 50 lb. bags.
Fireban is a trademark of a Zeneca Group Company. ■
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL