8
Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 As I reflect back on my time working at ADC, it is very evident that we have turned to a new chapter a number of times. When I started with ADC in 1997, about 10 years after MCI purchased ADC, we were starting up NF3 plant for the first time, and it was not a pretty sight, but through a lot of hard work, the story developed into a very profitable business. We liked that story so much that we wrote another chapter as we built B Train. We started writing another chapter as we ventured into LFTDI. This chapter was challenging at first also, but we worked together, overcame it, doing it so well that we had to expand that also. We turned the pages and as we started to see the NF3 market begin its slow decline, we had to start another chapter, in which we had to close the Gary plant, welcome its people to Adrian, exit the businesses for Flexsys and APCI, start up the new Borate and Curative processes and build the process for Noveon. That chapter was a challenge at first also, but has worked out pretty well overall. We opened up another chapter as we built the Admer process, which is running now at rates that are now almost 2x design as a result of teamwork, creativity and continual improvement! Each chapter had a number of things in common. Through teamwork and rising to the challenges of our business, we could become a stronger company. As we progress through 2013, it is quite apparent that another chapter is evolving. Unfortunately, the NF3 business has run its course, and as the solar market died and desperate competition attacked our market , evaporating our already meager profits, we had to make the decision to withdraw from the NF3 business with our heads held high. Obviously this decision creates a number of challenges that we are working through together. The good news is that through the challenges we have overcome together in the past, we have strengthened our company to where we can exit the NF3 business and still have a strong foundation and good, stable profitability. It has been exciting to see how our crews are working together to absorb the NF3 team members back into the Specialty Chemical Plant production. I am encouraged by the way that the way that we are writing this next chapter of ADC, working together. We are ahead of our schedule for exiting NF3 and we are well into the planning stages for dismantling the plant. We have a lot of work to do, and we have only one option for how to do it. Safely! As we move forward and our NF3 crew finds new roles at the SCP, we have the opportunity to learn and grow more together. Let’s take that opportunity and use this challenge as a springboard for our future growth! As I write this, we are finishing up the SCP preventative maintenance shutdown and our team has been able to work together to safely accomplish a very large maintenance shutdown with an incredible amount of work in a very short period of time. Our team excelled while performing this non-routine workload. I am proudest of how our team took safety personally. They looked out to keep themselves safe and they worked together to help keep each other safe. In the end, we all have the same mission! To safely reach our goals on target and be able to go home and enjoy our time with our families, uninjured! Even with the decline in the NF3 business, we are still performing well for the year! It hasn’t been without challenge, but outside of NF3, our businesses have performed well and we are experiencing significant successes with our new products and in expanding into new applications. The use of our Almatex® Acrylic Resins for powder coatings on boats and the success of our Ultra High Performance Andur® systems for more durable oil field mechanical equipment are two very exciting examples. Through the creativity and dedication of our team, our future remains bright at ADC! Mark Kramer President and CEO

Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 · Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 As I reflect back on my time working at ADC, it is very evident that we have turned to a new chapter a number

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Page 1: Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 · Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 As I reflect back on my time working at ADC, it is very evident that we have turned to a new chapter a number

Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013

As I reflect back on my time working at ADC, it is very evident that we have turned to a new chapter a number of times. When I started with ADC in 1997, about 10 years after MCI purchased ADC, we were starting up NF3 plant for the first time, and it was not a pretty sight, but through a lot of hard work, the story developed into a very profitable business. We liked that story so much that we wrote another chapter as we built B Train. We started writing another chapter as we ventured into LFTDI. This chapter was challenging at first also, but we worked together, overcame it, doing it so well that we had to expand that also. We turned the pages and as we started to see the NF3 market begin its slow decline, we had to start another chapter, in which we had to close the Gary plant, welcome its people to Adrian, exit the businesses for Flexsys and APCI, start up the new Borate and Curative processes and build the process for Noveon. That chapter was a challenge at first also, but has worked out pretty well overall. We opened up another chapter as we built the Admer process, which is running now at rates that are now almost 2x design as a

result of teamwork, creativity and continual improvement! Each chapter had a number of things in common. Through teamwork and rising to the challenges of our business, we could become a stronger company.

As we progress through 2013, it is quite apparent that another chapter is evolving. Unfortunately, the NF3 business has run its course, and as the solar market died and desperate competition attacked our market , evaporating our already meager profits, we had to make the decision to withdraw from the NF3 business with our heads held high. Obviously this decision creates a number of challenges that we are working through together. The good news is that through the challenges we have overcome together in the past, we have strengthened our company to where we can exit the NF3 business and still have a strong foundation and good, stable profitability. It has been exciting to see how our crews are working together to absorb the NF3 team members back into the Specialty Chemical Plant production.

I am encouraged by the way that the way that we are writing this next chapter of ADC, working together. We are ahead of our schedule for exiting NF3 and we are well into the planning stages for dismantling the plant. We have a lot of work to do, and we have only one option for how to do it. Safely! As we move forward and our NF3 crew finds new roles at the SCP, we have the opportunity to learn and grow more together. Let’s take that opportunity and use this challenge as a springboard for our future growth!

As I write this, we are finishing up the SCP preventative maintenance shutdown and our team has been able to work together to safely accomplish a very large maintenance shutdown with an incredible amount of work in a very short period of time. Our team excelled while performing this non-routine workload. I am proudest of how our team took safety personally. They looked out to keep themselves safe and they worked together to help keep each other safe. In the end, we all have the same mission! To safely reach our goals on target and be able to go home and enjoy our time with our families, uninjured!

Even with the decline in the NF3 business, we are still performing well for the year! It hasn’t been without challenge, but outside of NF3, our businesses have performed well and we are experiencing significant successes with our new products and in expanding into new applications. The use of our Almatex® Acrylic Resins for powder coatings on boats and the success of our Ultra High Performance Andur® systems for more durable oil field mechanical equipment are two very exciting examples. Through the creativity and dedication of our team, our future remains bright at ADC!

Mark KramerPresident and CEO

Page 2: Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 · Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 As I reflect back on my time working at ADC, it is very evident that we have turned to a new chapter a number

2

QualityAssurance

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHTBy Lindsay Stratton

Crazy Aaron’s PuttyworldCrazy Aaron’s Puttyworld has been a Borate customer since December 2011. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty is a bouncing putty composed of silicone polymers bound together by boron as the cross linker. They use Anderson Development’s borate esters to provide the boron that reacts with the silicone to make the product work.

Crazy Aaron’s idea for thinking putty came about in 1998. He was always looking for the “ultimate desk toy” and decided to order bouncing putty for everyone in his office. It became such a big hit that he found a way to make it himself. Co-workers would stop by his cubicle and purchase the different colored putty that he learned how to make. A little while after this is when people started calling him “Crazy” Aaron, and Puttyworld was officially born in 2001. He now has this Thinking Putty in retail stores nationwide and on international websites. You should take some time and look at his website for the full story www.puttyworld.com. There are so many to choose from! Magnetic, Liquid Glass, Putty Creatures, Super Illusions, Crystal Clears, Heat Sensitive’s, Glow in the Dark, and many more.

Flu Info From The CDCBy Doug Green

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills • Headaches • Cough • Fatigue (very tired) • Sore throat • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, • Runny or stuffy nose though this is more common in children than adults. • Muscle or body aches *It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These drop-lets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose. You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

Flu is unpredictable and how severe it is can vary widely from one season to the next depending on many things, including: • What flu viruses are spreading? • How many people get vaccinated? • How much flu vaccine is available? • How well the flu vaccine is matched to flu viruses • When vaccine is available? that are causing illness?

Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and persons who live in facilities like nursing homes.

Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. Over a period of 30 years, between 1976 and 2006, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people.

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season.

Yearly flu vaccination should begin soon after flu vaccine is available, and ideally by October. However, getting vaccinated even later can be protective, as long as flu viruses are circulating. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated so they are protected before influenza begins spreading in their community.

Page 3: Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 · Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 As I reflect back on my time working at ADC, it is very evident that we have turned to a new chapter a number

3

Looking Forward...By Jennifer Grover

We just completed our second RC14001/ISO14001 recertification cycle at Anderson Development Company. ADC was initially certified to the American Chemistry Council’s Environmental Health Safety and Security standard in 2007. In between recertification audits, ADC participates in annual surveillance audits and conducts a full recertification audit every three years.A successful recertification recommendation is a great starting point for implementation of the new ACC Process Safety and Product Safety codes. The new codes can be viewed as an extension of several existing elements within the RC14001 standard. Confirmation that our current EHS&S management systems are in order will help bridge the gap to meet the new code requirements for continual improvement in the areas of process and product safety. The new Product Safety code is intended to complement existing regulatory requirements like OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard and EPA's Risk Management Program (RPM) standard. The new ACC management practices incorporate leadership and accountability into the technical specifications. Similarly, the Product Safety code complements many requirements of EPA’s Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) including understanding and communicating a product's intended use and potential risks. At ADC, we pride ourselves in our hands-on approach to customer care by providing technical assistance before, during and after each specialty chemical product sale. Implementation of the new Product Safety code should only enhance this relationship between ADC and our customers. ADC is looking forward to a new certification cycle and the new opportunities for improvement in the areas of process and product safety through implementation and certification to the new ACC management practices.

Basic Hunter Safety Tips:By Dana Walsh

Hunting is a very popular activity here in Michigan. Avid hunters from all over start their hunting season as early as September and continue to hunt through the end of December depending on what they are hunting. Hunting small game such as rabbit and squirrels to wild turkey to bigger animals such as deer and even bear are happening all over the state. Because there are so many hunters in the woods hunting, it is important to be as safe as possible so you remain the hunter and not become the hunted. Here are some helpful tips to help you stay safe during hunting season:

1. Always assume a gun is loaded when picking it up. Accidents can happen very easily.2. Keep the barrel of your gun pointed down when walking or transporting your gun.3. Be certain of your target before taking a shot. In other words, be sure your target is an animal and not another hunter.4. Wear the required amount of orange so you do not become another hunter’s target.5. Hunt with a buddy. If you don’t have a buddy, be sure to let someone know you are hunting and what time you expect to be back.6. Carry a cell phone in a waterproof or plastic bag in case of an emergency.7. Be familiar with the area you are hunting in.8. Dress properly and prepared for the worst possible conditions.9. Carry a first aid kit.10. If accompanied by a dog, the dog should also wear hunter orange or a visible color on a vest, least, coat or bandana.These are just a few safety tips to keep in mind while hunting. It is also important to keep in mind if you are not hunting, but visiting an area likely to have hunters to follow precautions as well. Wearing brighter colors visible by hunters, make noise/talk to alert hunters of your presence and know when hunting seasons are so you can choose the best times to visit areas where hunters may be are just a few things to keep in mind. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov for more safety tips and local hunting seasons and other relative information.Sources: www.fs.fed.us, www.michigan.gov, http://voices.yahoo.com/20-hunting-safety-tips-beginners-3316334.html, www.ducks.org

Page 4: Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 · Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 As I reflect back on my time working at ADC, it is very evident that we have turned to a new chapter a number

ADC Employee Spotlight

4

1. How many years have you worked for Anderson Development Company?

15 years.

2. What other jobs / careers have you had in the past?

Public Accounting Auditor and Accounting Manager.

3. In one word, how would you describe yourself?

BUSY!

4. What is one weird fact about you?

I can’t blow my nose, and I broke both my ankles at the same time.

5. What is your favorite sport(s)?

Anything that my kids are playing and NFL.

6. Spouse and or children?

My husband Shawn, Mackenzie, my new driver as of September and Macguire 13 in November.

7. Where is your favorite place to travel?

Any beach, never the same place twice.

8. What is your favorite television show?

Revenge and Betrayal and Dallas... not sure what that says about me.

9. Favorite band / singer?

Kid Rock, Jimmy Buffet, Zac Brown Band, and The Rolling Stones.

10. Favorite restaurant?

Macaroni Grill.

1. How many years have you worked for Anderson Development Company?

I have been at ADC for one year.

2. What other jobs / careers have you had in the past?

I have always worked for my dad as a golf course greens keeper.

3. In one word, how would you describe yourself?

I would say goofy, I think everyone would agree!!

4. What is one weird fact about you?

I cannot think of one. But don’t ask anyone who knows me.

5. What is your favorite sport(s)?

My favorite sport is football.

6. Spouse and or children?

I am married to a wonderful wife Lana and have three kids. One son, Chris, and two daughters, Dakota and Sierra.

7. Where is your favorite place to travel?

I am married to a wonderful wife Lana and have 3 kids. I have one son (Chris) and 2 daughters (Dakota and Sierra)

8. What is your favorite television show?

My show is Mash.

9. Favorite band / singer?

Favorite band is Metallica!!

10. Favorite restaurant?

I would say Taco Bell.

1. How many years have you worked for Anderson

Development Company?

15 years.

2. What other jobs / careers have you had in the past?

Albion Industries 26 years.

3. In one word, how would you describe yourself?

Versatile.

4. What is one weird fact about you?

I have moved 25 times in my life and lived where I am now for 31 years.

5. What is your favorite sport(s)?

Golf and Hunting.

6. Spouse and or children?

Spouse: Lois. Children: Matt, Courtney, Christine and Chelsea and six grandchildren.

7. Where is your favorite place to travel?

Banff, Alberta Canada.

8. What is your favorite television show?

Person of Interest.

9. Favorite band / singer?

Brad Paisley.

10. Favorite restaurant?

Win Schuler’s in Marshall.

1. How many years have you worked for Anderson Development Company?

10 years.

2. What other jobs / careers have you had in the past?

I have worked at numerous factories that are all shut down now.

3. In one word, how would you describe yourself?

Friendly.

4. What is one weird fact about you?

I work with Will Ables. You have to be some kind of weird to work with that guy!

5. What is your favorite sport(s)?

My favorite sport is football.

6. Spouse and or children?

Beautiful wife Naomi, one daughter Mariah and two sons, Saje and Seth.

7. Where is your favorite place to travel?

Disney, “that’s what the old lady says.” : )

8. What is your favorite television show?

My favorite show is The Walking Dead.

9. Favorite band / singer?

Kiss is my favorite band.

10. Favorite restaurant?

Red Lobster

Heather HawleyBy Donna Schlotman

Sean HolbrookBy Jamie Williams

Richard IngrahamBy Dana Walsh

Jerry NietoBy Dawn Black

Page 5: Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 · Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 As I reflect back on my time working at ADC, it is very evident that we have turned to a new chapter a number

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The serenity of the early August morning at the Legacy Golf Club was shattered by the traditional blast of the cannon by Tom McKelvey to start the golf outing festivities Nineteen teams of different skill levels took the opportunity to participate in the festivities. It was Roger Grayer’s team that was the best of the day, as they took first place with a round of thirteen under par.

Longest Putt – Vern BennettLongest Drive – Dana WalshClosest to the Pin (First Shot) – Marcus WalshClosest to the Pin (Second Shot) – Jim Avolt

FOOD, FRIENDS & GOLF = GOOD TIMES!!!

As usual there were slices, hooks and duffs throughout the day. The water surrounding the island green on hole number eight swallowed many golf balls, mine included. As the day drew to an end, the smell of the steak dinner brought everyone to the clubhouse. The camaraderie continued as everyone was eating and the awards were being passed out for the hole prizes.

By Thad Merritt

(L-R): Joe Flores, Steve Decker, Bob Holbrook and Brett Negus II (L-R):Kirk Beasley, Max Sackett, Chad Blaker and Leonard Blaker

FIRST PLACE13 UNDER

SECOND PLACE12 UNDER

THIRD PLACE10 UNDER

Roger GrayerVern BennettGerald RincherJohn Harlow

Steve DeckerJoe FloresBrett Negus IIBob Holbrook

Max SackettKirk BeasleyChad BlakerLeonard Blaker

Page 6: Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 · Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 As I reflect back on my time working at ADC, it is very evident that we have turned to a new chapter a number

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Quality Assurance HumorBy Thad Merritt

After every Qantas Airlines flight, pilots complete a gripe sheet that conveys to the mechanics problems encountered with the aircraft during the flight that need repair or correction. The form used is a piece of paper on which the pilot completes the top part listing the problem, which the mechanics read and then respond in writing on the lower half of the form what remedial action was taken, so the pilot on the next flight of that plane can review the form before taking off. Never let it be said that ground crews and engineers lack a sense of humor.

Here are some actual logged maintenance complaints and responses:Problem (P) = the problem logged by the pilot.Solution (S) = the solution and action taken by engineers.Qantas, by the way, is the only major airline that has never had an accident.

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.S: Live bugs on back order.

P: Autopilot in altitude hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.S: That's what they're there for.

P: IFF inoperative.S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.S: Cat installed.

Happy Holidays from theQuality

Department

Page 7: Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 · Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 As I reflect back on my time working at ADC, it is very evident that we have turned to a new chapter a number

7

*Designates Floating Holiday

2014 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Here is the schedule for days that ADCwill be closed during 2014

New Year’s Day ..........Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Friday BeforeMemorial Day....................... Friday, May 23, 2014

Memorial Day....................Monday, May 26, 2014

Independence Day................... Friday, July 4, 2014

Labor Day ................. Monday, September 1, 2014

Thanksgiving Day.... Thursday, November 27, 2014

Day AfterThanksgiving ................Friday, November 28, 2014

*Christmas Eve ... Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Christmas Day......... Thursday, December 25, 2014

*Day AfterChristmas .....................Friday, December 26, 2014

*New Year’s Eve... Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Thanksgiving SafetyThe kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. Kids love to be involved in holiday preparations. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.- Keep the �oor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocket books or bags.- Keep knives out of the reach of children.- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.- Keep matched and utility lighters out of reach of children – up high in a locked cabinet.- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.Source www.nfpa.org/education

Page 8: Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 · Adrian, Michigan Fall/Winter 2013 As I reflect back on my time working at ADC, it is very evident that we have turned to a new chapter a number

DEVELOPMENTSAnderson Development Company

Adrian, Michigan Winter 2013

1415 E. Michigan Street Adrian Michigan 49221