The ChemQuest Group Newsletter
May/June 2024
Companies all along the specialty chemicals value chain are increasingly exploring the concept of reshoring (or nearshoring) as a means to shorten their supply lines and bring production closer to where their products are sold. Prompted initially by the fragility highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic and compounded by various weather-related supply chain disasters, the trend is also being influenced by today’s rising energy costs and needed access to a skilled workforce.
 
Certainly on paper, moving your production may seem like a clear, straightforward solution to numerous operational challenges. In practice, however, the process is extremely complicated with myriad issues that need to be fully considered in order to ensure success. The question of where exactly production should be located goes beyond mere geography, involving not only available resources such as energy and personnel but regional and local regulations, market variables, transportation and logistics, and much more.
 
If you are considering reshoring as a viable strategy for your business but are unsure where to start, I encourage you to reach out. Our team has the necessary industry experience and knowledge to fully analyze your operations and pinpoint the optimal solution.

Sincerely,
Daniel Murad, CEO, The ChemQuest Group, Inc.
Highlighting ChemQuest Consulting Success
Deep insight from our thorough assessment led to the development of a robust and highly successful sell-side strategy. The result was a business sale that exceeded 20X the EBITDA multiple, with the seller and buyer goals achieved.
Recent Publications
Our experts have been busy writing in-depth feature articles and informative columns to share insight on key technologies, industry issues, and strategies. 

The powder coating industry offers an array of chemistries to provide an excellent match to the manufacturer’s expectations for outdoor durability.
by George Pilcher

Despite concerns that anything is possible in today’s volatile, unpredictable, and sometimes irrational world, it seems unlikely that PFAS will be unilaterally banned, because it makes no sense to throw the baby out with the bathwater. 
by Daniel Murad

With positive economic trends, readily available funds, and lower interest rates on the horizon, we are optimistic that 2024 will bring a rebound in M&A activity.

by Cynthia Gosselin, Ph.D.

The most prevalent test for the evaluation of coating adhesion has long been the manual tape-and-peel test. Once PSA tape is peeled off, the amount of film removed from the substrate observed on the tape or the sample is rated against various standards.
by Victoria Scarborough, Ph.D.

Specialized paints can provide mechanisms for maintaining hygiene that prevent disease spread, protect water and sanitation systems, reduce the spread of fire, improve indoor air quality, and help to ensure the safety of the food supply chain.
by Rich Gibson

While business cycles can be easy to spot in hindsight, the challenge lies in predicting changes in business cycles before they occur. With this insight, you can plan and act in sync with the changing cycle – and ahead of your competition.
Essential Resource for Strategic Decision Making
Essential for your strategic business planning initiatives, the recently published U.S. Market Analysis for the Paint & Coatings Industry (2023–2028) provides quantitative and qualitative data analysis for more than 20 coatings market segments, with five-year market and growth projections, key market opportunities and drivers, and a lot more.
U.S. Market analysis purchasers will have access to a free virtual day of ChemQuest consulting, and members of the American Coatings Association receive special pricing!
Upcoming Events
The ChemQuest team is excited to attend key industry events, sharing our expertise and networking with industry friends and new colleagues.
Old Montreal, Canada | May 22-24
On May 23, Daniel Murad, ChemQuest president and CEO, will share his insights related to an "Economic Update: Coatings Industry in North America and Canada" with the Canadian Paint and Coatings Association.
We also hope to see you at these upcoming events:
Operational and Manufacturing Excellence
Our webinar series in partnership with the Adhesive and Sealant Council got off to a great start last week. Free to attend, the series is designed to help you explore manufacturing efficiencies and business strategy. All are welcome to join us!
Optimizing Plant Operations Including Design Considerations for Growth
May 17 | 12-1 p.m.
In this webinar, you'll learn about facility start-ups, plant expansions, increases in operations capacities, alternate capabilities, plant relocations, and asset retirements. We'll explore expansion and growth elements for consideration, such as market demand, capacity assessment, financial feasibility, site location(s), facility design and layout, staff planning, supply chain management, and risk management.
Optimizing Supply Chain to Increase the Bottom Line
June 7 | 12-1 p.m.
This webinar will focus primarily on methods and practices to improve overall supply chain efficiencies impacting performance (i.e., the bottom line) by looking at fully integrated supply chain tools. You'll hear strategies for optimizing in-house vendor management, achieving quality improvement, and improving lead times to customers. In addition, the webinar will detail how to address vendor sourcing, logistics, transportation/freight, and buyer groups.
Safety First! Best Practices in Environmental Health and Safety
June 14 | 12-1 p.m.
Beginning with an explanation of current EPA and OSHA compliance and operation procedures, the final webinar in the series will discuss the evolution of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. You'll gain insight on topics such as hazardous waste, air and water emissions, process safety, personal protective equipment, emergency response, and hazard communications.
Adhesive Bonding Education
ChemQuest is proud to serve as the exclusive partner of Fraunhofer IFAM in North America. If a customer requires certification or your team could benefit from additional training and knowledge, check out the European Adhesive Bonder (EAB) course. Registration is open!
Fraunhofer IFAM European Adhesive Bonder (EAB)
The week-long EAB course gives participants a fundamental understanding of adhesive bonding. This knowledge of the technical aspects and importance of their particular work procedures will enable them to carry out bonding work independently and professionally.

ChemQuest Technology Institute, South Boston, Va.
August 12-16, 2024
Welcome New ChemQuest Team Members
Please join us in welcoming Sharon Feng, Ph.D., and Prem Patel to ChemQuest!
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