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The ChemQuest Group Newsletter

November/December 2024

In light of the recent U.S. presidential election, many companies are looking to take proactive measures to plan for anticipated import tariff increases. President-elect Trump suggested he would impose tariffs of 60-100% on some China-produced goods imported to the U.S., and he favors a 20% universal tariff for all other countries.


The higher costs associated with these tariffs are certainly challenging. The question is: What is the best course of action for your business?


Numerous supply chain strategies should be at the top of your list for consideration. Could your company potentially find a more local supplier for goods traditionally imported from China or elsewhere? Would it make sense for you to go vertical, to produce the materials your company needs by building your own facility or purchasing a key domestic supplier?


While the trend of reshoring/near-shoring has been growing over the past several years, we expect these tariffs to spur even more activity. Of course, domestic production brings challenges of its own. For example, the U.S. manufacturing sector’s unemployment rate stands at a low 3.6% (as of October 2024). You may need to explore automation for some processes, as properly staffing your new facility could be extremely difficult.


I encourage you to reach out so we can discuss your options and develop a strategic plan that suits your needs. Our team is uniquely positioned to help your company ensure profitable growth, despite geopolitical uncertainties.


Sincerely,

Daniel Murad, CEO, The ChemQuest Group, Inc.

Read Our Success Story on Expansion in North America and Europe

Our team’s extensive specialty chemicals expertise enabled ChemQuest to fully explore key regions, analyze dynamics, and deliver a targeted strategic growth plan for our client.


We prescribed go-to-market strategies and rationale for growth for the client’s established business segments, as well as guidance on feasibility and paths to success for emerging opportunities.

See the Full Story >

Explore Recent Publications

The ChemQuest team has shared insights in numerous industry publications on topics ranging from industry and market trends to supply chain and product development strategies. We invite you to read these suggested articles and to explore our full online library. 


Navigating the Intersection of AI and Materials Research

by Victoria Scarborough, Ph.D.


Using AI to develop new materials has the potential to provide models of materials systems where none are currently available and to accelerate modeling where physics/chemistry models are well-understood. But there is a need for more data than is currently available, to lower costs and accelerate the rate of experiments.



Read More in PCI >

A Wild Ride for U.S. Construction and Housing

by Michael Rezai


The U.S. construction and housing markets are undergoing significant changes, with residential construction recovering, commercial sectors diverging, and institutional projects driving growth. For the coatings and adhesives industries, this presents both challenges and opportunities. 


Read More in PPCJ >

Sourcing Assembly Adhesives

by Douglas Corrigan, Ph.D., and James Swope


Finding the optimal balance of properties when sourcing adhesives can be challenging, particularly for manufacturing companies that may not have a thorough understanding of adhesive formulations and whose personnel do not have a chemistry background.


Read More in ASI >

Navigating Product Development Challenges

by Eric Casebolt


Anyone who has been involved in developing raw materials for the coatings industry will tell you it is not a trivial undertaking. Over the years, we have seen many previously successful strategic thinkers struggle when it comes to innovation in formulated products such as coatings.


Read More in PCI >

Visit the Full ChemQuest Article Library >

Meet the Team at Upcoming Industry Events

The ChemQuest team looks forward to sharing our expertise and networking with industry friends and new colleagues at key industry events. Please reach out to schedule an onsite meeting.

World Coatings Summit

Singapore | January 15-17


The World Coatings Summit will bring together more than 100 coatings industry CEOs. On January 16, Daniel Murad will provide this elite group with an overview and outlook for the global industry.

We also hope to see you at these upcoming events:

Reach Out to Schedule an Onsite Meeting >

Watch Insightful ACA Member Webinars

Our experts recently shared their market-focused and strategic planning insights with members of the American Coatings Association. If you are an ACA member and weren't able to attend, access the recordings and watch now!

Market Trends and Technical Insights: Powder Coatings for Architectural Applications


This webinar provides an overview of the architectural coatings market with a focus on powder coatings applied to aluminum extrusions for use in building and construction applications. Presenters Eric Casebolt and Nathan Biller share a high-level discussion of the technical aspects of powder coatings that are used to meet the performance requirements in this segment, along with insights into market dynamics, trends, and areas of active research.


Watch Now >

Using Strategic Planning Tools to Win in the Market and Drive Profitable Growth


Presenter Mike Rezai shares information about ChemQuest resources that enable you to capture the relevant data and market intelligence necessary to optimize strategic planning activities and drive profitable growth. He provides a demo of TraQr® Dashboard and TraQr® Reports, which are designed to support subscribing companies of various sizes and needs with the ChemQuest data, insight, and analysis they need to make informed decisions.


Watch Now >

Register for Adhesive Bonding Courses

ChemQuest serves as the exclusive partner of Fraunhofer IFAM in North America. If your customers require certification or your team could benefit from additional training and knowledge, we offer two courses to support advanced and fundamental experience levels.

Fraunhofer IFAM European Adhesive Specialist (EAS)

Beginning in March 2025, the EAS course will blend three weeks of remote learning and one week of in-person sessions at our facility in South Boston, Va. Graduates of this advanced course will be able to take on supervisory functions, prepare work instructions, and make contributions to quality assurance aspects of bonding technology.

 

Course Schedule:

  • Week 1 (online): March 31-April 4
  • Week 2 (online): May 12-16
  • Week 3 (online): June 2-6
  • Week 4 (in person): June 16-20


Course Overview > | Register Now >

Fraunhofer IFAM European Adhesive Bonder (EAB)

The week-long, in-person EAB course gives participants a fundamental understanding of adhesive bonding. This knowledge of the technical aspects and importance of their particular work procedures will enable them to carry out bonding work independently and professionally.


ChemQuest Technology Institute, South Boston, Va.

May 5-9, 2025


Course Overview > | Register Now >

Get to Know Crystal Morrison, Ph.D.


Prior to joining ChemQuest as a director in 2018, Crystal Morrison’s dynamic career included roles of increasing responsibility in settings ranging from a national lab to a global, multi-billion-dollar coatings company.


Now a ChemQuest vice president focused on expanding our business development efforts, how has she capitalized on her past experience to support our clients, and what trends does she foresee for the future?


Learn More about Crystal >

Explore the New Ask Joe Powder Archive

Our new Ask Joe Powder archive page is live! The searchable page currently shares Joe Powder’s powder coating solutions, best practices, and general knowledge in six main categories (more are coming):​

  • Calculations and Testing​
  • Powder Coating Appearance​
  • Powder Coating Application Issues​
  • Powder Coating Failures​
  • Powder Coating Performance​
  • Powder Coating Surface Defects​

Browse through the articles or search for solutions to specific issues, and be sure to bookmark the page for easy future reference.


Visit the Archive >

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