Following the acquisition of UK-based chemical company Hickson International plc, a new name has entered the European wood preservation scene. US-based Arch Chemicals Inc, created in early 1999, is a young and dynamic speciality chemicals company focusing on customer service and product innovation. The Hickson timber protection business was seen as key to the success of the acquisition and the further development of the Arch Chemicals strategy.
Michael E Campbell, chairman, president and CEO of Arch Chemicals, explained that the core skills of innovation and customer service already built within the timber protection business were major factors for the initial interest in Hickson. ‘Within the Timber Protection and Coatings Division of Hickson there is a strong tradition of product and process development, while customer service is a prime goal within the business philosophy. These values, together with the skill and knowledge of the staff, bond perfectly to our own company culture.’
For 1999, Arch Chemicals Inc reported a global turnover of approximately US$900m. Following the integration of Hickson, the company will comprise four main segments:
According to Mr Campbell, ‘The acquisition certainly strengthens our already significant position in the high growth biocides and performance urethanes markets, while extending our global infrastructure, particularly in Europe. The timber protection business, including Hickson Timber Products, will be an integral and important part of our new treatment business.’
Geoff Shaw, managing director of Hickson Timber Products, feels that there are similarities between the two organisations and they are priorities in developing the business. ‘Our business philosophies and cultures are closely related and this gives us an immediate bond. Both companies have always made a major commitment to the research and development of new products, providing key support services to our customers, as well as introducing significant marketing initiatives. These elements are vital, not only in driving forward our business and those of our customers, but also in leading the industry to new levels.’
He continued: ‘If one looks back over the past decade, our innovations and initiatives speak for themselves. Hickson was the first company to introduce an oxide-based CCA preservative formulation in the UK, together with a safer, more efficient “micro-bulk” delivery system for Tanalith.
‘With Vacsol® Aqua, our water-based preservative for building timbers, we were able to offer the industry a much more environmentally advanced alternative to the traditional solvent-based formulations. Vacsol Aqua solved several operational problems for our customers while creating new opportunities for their businesses.
‘On a broader front, new dipping products such as Resistol® and Antiblu® Select are showing considerable growth in Europe and have enabled us to access new markets.’
It is, however, with Tanalith E that Mr Shaw feels the commitment of the company towards product development is most clearly demonstrated. ‘Already established as the leading chrome-free alternative throughout most of Europe, the Far East and Australia, Tanalith E is now creating significant interest within the UK. The excellent performance characteristics of Tanalith E, together with its environmental benefits, will certainly give our customers a competitive edge, particularly when considering the growing interest in treated timber from consumer-oriented markets. Tanalith E, alongside CCA, can offer our customers a real flexibility of choice in meeting both market and legislative changes.’
As well as a commitment to developing preservatives, support services and marketing initiatives both play major roles in the company’s philosophy and approach to business.
Key staff are active in representing the timber treatment industry at both national and European levels, ensuring that industry views are taken into account during the development of environmental and legislative issues.
‘We are also constantly looking to create new marketing opportunities that build upon the undoubted strength of our brands in order to help our customers develop the full potential of treated timber,’ continued Mr Shaw.
‘The founding of the Timber Decking Association, formed to ensure the development of good quality, high performance decking in the UK and which recently won the Excellence in Marketing Category at the TTJ 2000 Annual Awards, was originally a Hickson initiative. Similarly, our promotional campaign aimed at informing specifiers of the benefits of treated timber and the availability of our wide range of treatment products through our customer network, was also recognised by being selected as runner-up for this prestigious award.
‘We are continually looking to develop our support services to meet our customers’ requirements and expectations. With the experience and new ideas that Arch can bring to the arena, I anticipate exciting advances and initiatives over the next few years. We are working closely with Arch on the integration of our business and will shortly be starting a communication programme with our customers and industry. I can, however, assure you that we will continue to be as innovative and customer focused as ever.’
