Westlake, Ohio — Materials distributor Palmer Holland has new leadership and is looking to grow its plastics business.
Vince Misiti was named CEO of Westlake-based Palmer Holland in January. He joined the firm after a 28-year career at specialty chemicals supplier Lubrizol Corp. of Wickliffe, Ohio.
In a recent interview in Westlake, Misiti said that plastics is Palmer Holland's fastest-growing end market and that it "has great legs for the future."
"Plastics is a good business for us," he added. "We'd like to grow that market."
Plastics Business Director Tony Denton said that with plastics, Palmer Holland has proven its ability to sell multiple lines and now is looking to sell to processors in addition to compounders.
Palmer Holland's plastics line includes additives for PVC, polypropylene and other resins and end products, as well as elastomers. The firm sells plastics-related materials from 32 suppliers, including 3M, Arkema, Baerlocher, ExxonMobil and Lanxess.
Other end markets served by Palmer Holland include adhesives/sealants, agriculture, elastomers, health/nutrition, industrial lubricants and paints/coatings. The firm was founded in 1925 and became an employee stock ownership plan company in 2020.
Palmer Holland generates most of its sales from the U.S. and Canada. So far in 2023, the firm has expanded its offerings from Clariant and has added polyurethane dispersions from Wanhua Chemical to its line card.
In May, Palmer Holland restructured its executive team. Ron Zmich was named senior vice president of industrial specialties, with Bret Horace being named vice president of consumer and life sciences. Jaycie Bradshaw was appointed chief human resources officer, and Kristin Engler was appointed senior director of customer experience.
Misiti said in a news release that the appointments "represent an important step forward." He added that with the establishment of the Industrial Specialties and Consumer & Life Sciences segments, the firm "is creating the necessary market focus to support the different needs of these two strong sources of growth and transformation for Palmer Holland."
Like many plastics and chemicals suppliers, Palmer Holland has seen an increased interest in sustainable products from its customers. Misiti said the firm will add sustainable items to its product mix "where it makes sense."
"Sustainability is very important, but that conversation can be different with different customers based on what they're looking for," he added.
Looking ahead, Misiti said that Palmer Holland is looking to grow by acquiring other distributors and "will continue to invest in growth."
"Being independent is very important for us," he added. "We have a great culture and want to maintain that strategy."