Seth Johnson to lead Zochem's global sales, marketing

DICKSON, Tenn.—Zochem L.L.C., with zinc oxide manufacturing plants in Canada and the U.S., has promoted Seth Johnson to global director of sales and marketing.

Johnson's new post, effective April 27, comes after a decade in regional sales positions in the Southeast U.S. He replaces Ed Smith, who retired in 2022.

"Seth's leadership and deep knowledge of our industry have been invaluable to Zochem," said Mohit Sharma, president and CEO of Zochem. "We're thrilled to have him take on this new role, where he can continue to drive our growth and success."

Sharma said Johnson worked closely with Smith, where he led the company's export sales—collaborating with multinationals from five continents—for five years. This experience should make the transition much easier for Johnson, Sharma said.

Johnson, who joined Zochem in 2016, saw particular success in expanding Zochem's Asian and European markets.

"I'm excited about this new opportunity and to continue working toward Zochem's success," Johnson said. "I'm honored to work with Zochem's 'Dream Team' and look forward to a bright future."

Sharma added that Johnson supported Zochem's customers during the pandemic with "an understanding of their economic limitations and supply chain constraints."

"His experience and tenacity in leveraging business partnerships within and outside of Zochem have also helped him progress in his career," Sharma said.

"Seth is a collaborative team builder and his contagious nature is aligned with Zochem's growth plans in 2023 and beyond."

With about $300 million in net sales per year, Zochem produces about 60,000 metric tons per year of zinc oxide in Ontario and about 40,000 metric tons per year in Tennessee.

The company has been named to Rubber News' Best Places to Work for three consecutive years.

Zochem, founded in 1933, supplies a variety of zinc oxide powder and pellets to a range of industries.

While about 40 percent of demand for the total zinc oxide market (from all producers of zinc oxide) in North America is driven by the tire manufacturing industry, the compound also can be found in motor oil and transmission fluid, dental care products, fertilizers, livestock feeds, over-the-counter flu remedies, sunscreens, vitamins, tile glazes, paints, food additives and even electronics.

With demand increasing in many of these spaces, Zochem is investing $7 million in a new low-carbon, high-output muffle furnace for increased zinc oxide production at the 170,000-sq.-ft. Tennessee plant.

The new furnace, set to be operational sometime this quarter, will add 15,000 metric tons of zinc oxide capacity to the Dickson plant, addressing expected increases in demand in the battery storage market, along with continued growth in durable products found in the agriculture, automotive and specialty chemical sectors.

The additional muffle furnace will be the fourth for Zochem in Tennessee.