The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) has recognized Accella Performance Material’s MarChem Pacific facility for exemplary efforts with improving its environmental, health, safety and security program.

The Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (CPCA) has launched an education campaign to promote the implementation of the recent Code of Practice for 2-butanone oxime (MEKO).

Thiele Kaolin Co.’s Board of Directors announced that Paul Kirschling will retire as the company’s President effective February 1, 2015.

Stahl has named Frank Brouwer to be the company’s Green Technology Chemist.

The AVA Group has welcomed Dr. Stefan Krawielitzki to AVA Biochem BSL AG and AVA-CO2 Switzerland AG as an organic chemistry expert.

PT Hutchins, a KODA Distribution Group company, has hired a new VP of Sales and created a strategic technical manager position.

AkzoNobel has joined forces with SuikerUnie, Rabobank, Deloitte, Investment and Development Agency for the Northern Netherlands (NOM), Groningen Seaports, and the Province of Groningen, to investigate the possibility of producing chemicals from beet-derived sugar feedstock.

Hoover Container Solutions (Hoover), a provider of chemical tanks, cargo carrying units, and related products and services, has entered into an agreement to partner with First Reserve, a private equity firm focused on energy.

As announced in November 2013, Vencorex is expanding its global capacity for Tolonate™ HDI derivatives by establishing a new production unit in Thailand.

Superior Materials Inc., Garden City, NY, announced that effective January 1, 2015, BASF Corp. will be expanding Superior Materials’ distribution responsibility for Attapulgite specialty additives into the Midwest region.