SI GROUP ACQUIRES Albemarle: Top-level changes follow purchase of plant

SI Group Inc. is making several high-level changes in the wake of its purchase of Albemarle’s former Orangeburg plant and other operations.

Tyler Windsor, the former Orangeburg plant manager, now has the newly expanded role of senior director of Southeast plant operations. In that role, he will be running both SI Group’s Orangeburg and Newport, Tenn., sites, according to SI Group Communications Director Brooke A. Marique.

In addition, Orangeburg Operation Manager Zach Steele has been appointed director of operations for the SI Group’s Four Ashes facility in the United Kingdom, replacing a retiring employee. Also, Jeff Prickett from SI Group’s Tennessee facility will be relocating to Orangeburg to replace Steele as senior manager-Orangeburg operations.

Schenectady, N.Y.-based SI Group announced Tuesday it completed its acquisition of the antioxidants, ibuprofen, propofol and related businesses of Albemarle Corp. Through this acquisition, the company is adding manufacturing sites in Orangeburg and Jinshan, China.

In addition, applications and technical support capabilities in Shanghai and Baton Rouge, La. are included in the transaction.

The Cannon Bridge Road plant in Orangeburg employs about 322, according to the Orangeburg County Development Commission’s website.

The terms of the sale have not been disclosed. SI Group has said it was buying the assets to grow, not for consolidation.

“Our growth strategy is tied to solving global challenges,” SI Group President and CEO Frank Bozich said. “This acquisition, strongly aligned with our core alkylphenol capabilities, enhances our global supply network and expertise in the antioxidant and active pharmaceutical ingredients markets.”

The company has said the purchase would position it as one of the top three global suppliers of ibuprofen.

Stephen Haller, senior vice president of strategy and new business development, said, “We welcome our new colleagues, customers, suppliers, and business partners with open arms. We are committed to the successful integration and transition of this business; it’s a vital component of our growth agenda.”

The family-owned SI Group employs more than 2,700 people, with a local presence in 11 countries. No changes in employment are expected following the purchase.

The company focuses on rubber resins, antioxidants, fuels and lubricants, plastic additives, industrial resins, adhesive resins, surfactants, engineering plastics, and pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals.