Zochem initiates global push

BRAMPTON, Ontario—Zochem Inc., a producer of zinc oxide, plans to increase its existing presence in global markets in 2016.

Zochem said it will further expand its capabilities to service customers and manage relationships directly as well as via strategic regional distributors through a warehouse/distribution center soon to be opened in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

This expansion comes on the heels of the company's recent investments to optimize production capacity, improve operational efficiency and implement systems to achieve industry-leading customer service and logistics.

“In terms of timing, we intend to capitalize on the momentum of our recent internal execution as well as tailwinds from several external factors,” Joshua Belczyk, Zochem general manager, said in a news release.

“As in other industries, the global growth slowdown is threatening the viability of smaller, less efficient producers. Zochem, however, is poised to continue to excel in all areas by building on existing relationships, superior economies of scale and product purity, our highly skilled team of employees, industry-leading strategy and execution, and a strong balance sheet. ”

Zochem plans to further promote its products and capabilities to the rest of the global market outside of its current North American market. Due to its reputation as one of the world's leading producers of high purity zinc oxide, Zochem said it has built a significant export presence and has a proven track record of supplying some of the most discerning customers throughout the world, including locations in Europe, South America, Africa, Middle East, India, China and Southeast Asia.

With a capacity of 65,000 MT per year and fewer than 50 full-time employees, Zochem claimed it is the largest and most efficient zinc oxide operation in the world.

In 2014, Zochem reported pre-tax earnings of $13.6 million on sales of $145 million.