Product innovation continues to drive Croda’s business

MILL HALL — As Croda International grows, the head of their North American operations says product innovation will continue to be a key driver for their business.

Kevin Gallagher, president of Croda, Inc., the division that oversees the company’s Mill Hall manufacturing facility and other North American operations, spoke recently to members of the local plant’s Community Advisory Council.

Gallagher said the past year-and-a-half has been a time of change for the company with the acquisition of Uniqema, a firm based in the United Kingdom which manufactures products similar to Croda but which has strengths in different markets.

“The acquisition of Uniqema has more than doubled the size of Croda International,” said Gallagher. “And it has strengthened our position as a manufacturer of specialty chemicals for the cosmetics, toiletries, homecare, healthcare and pharmaceutical, plastics, food and industrial specialty markets.

“Consumers won’t find Croda brand products in shopping malls or grocery stores,” he continued. “ We sell our products to companies who use them as ingredients in other products. Our ability to be innovative in our products has been key to our success and will continue to be what leads our efforts in the future.”

As an example, Gallagher said one ingredient patented by Croda is a detangling agent that revolutionized the shampoo and conditioner market.

Another ingredient the company developed is used in an acne product that helped create the number one selling acne product in the U.S.

“Looking ahead, the markets we will stay in are the ones where we feel we can make an impact, where we can help make better-performing products,” Gallagher said. “Markets such as personal care, health care, lubricants and crop performance are all good businesses for us.”

Also important is the company’s safety and environmental performance, Gallagher added.

“Croda will continue to be an ethical and responsible company,” he said. “We have a concern for the environment and our employees and are committed to ‘doing the right thing.’”

Gallagher thanked the Community Advisory Council members for their time and energy.

He said input and advice from the CAC helps Croda to be a better neighbor in the community.

The Croda Community Advisory Council was established in 2001 to better educate community members about Croda and to enhance peoples’ understanding of the local manufacturer.

The volunteer group meets every other month and includes people from all walks of life. Current CAC members are: Nick Agostini, Jim Burnworth, Heather Counsil, Pat Gensib, Tina Geyer, Cathy Katherman, Frank Killinger, Megan McCormack, Chad Savrock, Trish Smith, Jim Tomalonis and Brandon Yost.

Charlie Williams, Croda manager of Safety, Health, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs, serves as CAC leader.