New facilities developed by rubber and plastics industry supplier Birch Chemicals have attracted a visit from a leading worldwide supplier in the sector.

The rapidly growing business, based in Lincolnshire, welcomed representatives from Safic-Alcan for a tour of its site including, quality control and Research and Development (R&D) laboratories.

Sophie Bertrand, Safic-Alcan’s business development director for rubber, and Olivier Segonds, sales manager for rubber, were also given a tour of the manufacturing plant and on-site lime works.

The lime works, owned by Birch Chemicals’ parent company Singleton Birch, are a key part of the company’s ability to achieve the high-quality and consistency that has led to its success in highly demanding manufacturing markets.

This key facility was further enhanced at the end of last year with the opening of £600k ($785.35k) laboratories to support the work of a specialist R&D team on the development of Birch Chemicals products.

Steve Foster, Birch Chemicals managing director, hosted Safic-Alcan’s visit alongside Research and Development manager, Dr Chris Meyer.

Foster said: “Safic-Alcan is our biggest distributor partner and we were delighted to welcome Sophie and Olivier to see our facilities, including the new laboratory.

“Their visit was an opportunity for them to see the historic foundation on which the business is built.  Singleton Birch has recently celebrated its 200 year anniversary. 

“In contrast to this, they were also able to see the advanced processes and equipment currently used as well as one of our newest developments, the laboratory, and learn more about how we are continuing to innovate and grow to maintain the enviable reputation we have today and for the future.”

Birch Chemicals is best known for its Innovox product range, a high-performing calcium oxide desiccant which is used in a variety of applications, including EPDM rubber products which are used in car and aeroplane manufacture. The Innovoh range of calcium hydroxide curing agents are used in FKM rubber products.

Innovox is part of a range sold worldwide through a distribution network, and is a premium product which delivers excellent performance, consistency and availability.

Foster said: “In some ways, the quality of our products speaks for itself, however, hosting a distributor like Safic-Alcan is an important part of sharing the story behind what makes us different.

“This understanding helps us strengthen the excellent relationships we have with our existing customers and expand to gain new customers.

“We are already a market leader in the sector and we are committed to investing in our products and our people as we continue to develop cutting-edge solutions for our customers.”

Birch Chemicals (formerly Innovo) produces products for the rubber and plastics industries which have a variety of applications, including products used in the manufacture of high-value goods, such as aeroplanes and cars, and is part of the Singleton Birch family.

Singleton Birch was established in 1815 and has diversified into a number of different sectors. However, its core business remains chalk and lime products which are produced from the same Melton Ross site where company founder William Singleton Birch first leased land.