AKRON, OH – After completing installation of a new R&D pilot plant in December, Emerald Polymer Additives and Nitriles, a business group of Emerald Performance Materials, appointed Brian Corrigan as Nitriles Account Manager to accelerate growth of the group’s Nychem™ latex emulsions line.

Corrigan has 26 years of experience in sales and marketing roles for various materials companies, most recently serving as Fine Chemicals Account Manager at Honeywell Chemicals. Other experience includes positions with FirstEnergy, BFGoodrich, Nacan Products, LTD, Momentive (as McWhorter Inc.) and Schoelle Corp.

“The nitriles group has been focused on making investments that both add value to our Nychem line of latex emulsions and increase our ability to create customized solutions tailored to our customers’ needs,” said John Zuppo, Vice President of Commercial Services for Emerald Polymer Additives and Nitriles. “With his results-driven expertise and knowledge of the specialty chemicals industry, Brian will be able to drive growth in both current and new areas for the company and maximize the impact of our investments.”

In addition to the group’s new pilot plant at its Akron, OH, facility, which includes a 100-gallon pilot reactor for the development of new Nychem products, the company previously completed process controls and automation upgrades to expand the group’s operation and range of capabilities. The reactor was officially recognized at a dedication and ribbon-cutting event in January.