Brenntag, a global leader in chemical and ingredients distribution, recently opened a new distribution facility in Ohio and acquired the operating assets of US-based Suffolk Solutions’ caustic soda distribution business.
The new facility in Toledo OH is a full-line distribution center, the company said.
Located in the Great Lakes region, the facility boasts approximately 230,000 square feet and will be used for storage and distribution of chemical, specialty and ingredient products, including commodity products, solvents, surfactants, specialties and food ingredients. In addition to a 7-acre tank farm on an adjacent property, the location will have both interior and exterior rail service to serve all Brenntag industries.
“Toledo provides a perfect location to improve service levels and grow volumes with the existing customer base in Michigan and Indiana, while increasing growth opportunities in Ohio,” said Dan Arneson, president of Brenntag Great Lakes. “Brenntag’s global supply and distribution network is now fully available to local customers in the tri-state area. The combination of our dedicated employees, innovative supplier base, and strong customer focus will provide our customers with fast response times, efficient low-cost logistics, and expert technical and market support.”
Brenntag says it equipped the facility with modern technology to ensure a safer, more controlled environment. The redevelopment was established in collaboration with the Ohio rail development commission, as well as other agencies, and is projected to bring in more than 40 new driver, warehouse and production job opportunities to Lucas County by 2022.
“This advanced rail-connected distribution center in Toledo is the beginning of a new growth cycle for Brenntag in the Michigan, Indiana and Ohio area,” said Steven Terwindt, president and CEO of Brenntag North America and a member of Brenntag Group’s management board. “Our principle objective has always been, and will continue to be, to serve the needs of our customers and suppliers in the safest and most efficient manner possible.
“In addition, our dedicated specialty product storage and logistics capabilities will provide our customers with an extra service dimension.”
Brenntag said its acquisition of Suffolk Solutions’ caustic soda distribution business, which generated sales of approximately $15.6 during the 12-month period ending April 30, links its distribution network in the Eastern United States.
“The business and the related terminals of Suffolk Solutions fit seamlessly into our ambitions to further link Brenntag’s caustic soda network in the Eastern United States,” Terwindt said. “There is great potential to strengthen our supply chain and expand our customer base in this geography.”
The Virginia-headquartered company, founded in 2005, has access to a bulk terminal, as well as to a rail transloading facility within the state. The business relies on long-term suppliers and a loyal customer base.
“Suffolk Solutions will strengthen Brenntag’s footprint in the Virginia market and thus will enable us to improve our logistical infrastructure throughout the region,” said Anthony Gerace, managing director for mergers and acquisitions at Brenntag Group. “It will provide us with greater supply flexibility, maneuverability, and additional storage capacity on the east coast of the United States.”