HOUSTON—Zinc Oxide L.L.C. will become North America's first new manufacturer of zinc oxide in more than 20 years.
The company will produce French process zinc oxide grades designed for the rubber, tire, chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, oil additives, ceramics, electronics, glass, plastics, latex, paint and coatings, tape and adhesives and fertilizer markets, among others.
The senior management team consists of CEO Russ Robinson; President Barry Hamilton; Ron Crittendon, senior vice president of operations; Ed Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing; and Jimmy Kight, plant manager. According to the company, they have more than 150 years of combined experience.
Zinc Oxide said the plant will be in the southeast U.S. and have annual capacity of 40,000 metric tons. The site has not yet been disclosed.
The company will sell those products through a network of direct sales staff and distributors. The location of the plant will mean reduced shipping costs for most customers, the firm said.
Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Ed Smith said that supplier changes have created an opportunity for a new company to fill a growing market need for zinc oxide.