Best Places to Work: 'Dream Team' mentality drives Zochem's success

Zochem L.L.C. is one of the largest producers of zinc oxide in North America, manufacturing it for a variety of rubber and non-rubber applications. It uses an efficient, low carbon dioxide emission process for its products, which are used in such end goods as tires and rubber components, along with a range of plastics, glass, ceramics, paint and coatings, and batteries. The company services the pharmaceutical, nutrition, chemical, tire and automotive industries, among others.

One of Zochem's differentiators is a stated commitment to sustainability and safety. It has been nearly 13 years since Zochem experienced a lost-time injury at its Ontario location. For that and other safety successes, it has received the Gold Safety Award from the Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers. Referring to employees as "Dream Team members," Zochem prides itself on a long-term work force that shares its corporate beliefs.

Global Director of Sales and Marketing Seth Johnson and Ken Williams, chief financial officer and vice president of administration, shared other examples of what makes Zochem one of the Rubber News Best Places to Work.

"Zochem pushes to distinguish us from the competition by offering high purity French process zinc oxide, environmentally friendly practices, exceptional customer service and technical solutions," Johnson said. "This is further explained by our 4C's initiative, which includes:

• Continuity—We strive to be an easy partner to work with. No issues.
• Communication—We're honest and clear, proven through excellent customer service.
• Consultation—Advise from the industry leader.
• Certainty—Of quality, consistency, and supply—for every application and specification."

"Zochem is committed to prioritizing employee well-being through our continued focus on maintaining a safe, healthy and positive work environment for all," Williams said. "We also strive to provide our team members with competitive wages, an excellent benefits package, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop in an environment that also fosters collaboration, respect and inclusivity.

"At Zochem, we believe in working with one another, not for one another. And we place a premium on truly listening to our team members."

"As a company," Johnson said, "Zochem believes in fostering a positive workplace environment through team-building activities, local community charity involvement, social events, flexible work arrangements, and a supportive, collaborative atmosphere.

"We want employees to feel valued and engaged. We're thrilled to celebrate our employees and their many notable milestones this year at each facility, commemorating the 10-year anniversary at our Tennessee plant and the 50-year anniversary of our Ontario plant.

"Our team members at Zochem are affectionately known as 'the Dream Team' as they are truly a special group of individuals who possess tremendous talents, intellect, curiosity and drive, and who also possess a genuine desire to support and celebrate their co-workers," according to Williams. "With a team that works as hard at celebrating one another as they do to ensure we deliver great results to our many partners, it's simply impossible to not have a bit of fun with the Zochem Dream Team."

"We may be a smaller company with 80 employees across both facilities, but the rubber market is our biggest market," Johnson said. "Zochem's success heavily relies on the rubber market, and we take pride in the superior quality of our French process material. With two strategically located production facilities, we ensure a reliable built-in backup supply and offer our partners 1–2-day delivery to over 90 percent of the North American market."

"Success can be defined in many ways, including financial performance, market share growth, customer satisfaction, employee retention and satisfaction, and ongoing innovation," Johnson said. "Our continued investment in our North American facilities and sustainability efforts have led to positive contributions to both plants.

"Ultimately, we want to achieve a balance between these factors while staying true to Zochem's values and long-term goals. Our leadership strongly believes that by providing partners with continuity, communication, consultation and certainty, we'll continue to grow."