Colonial Group Expands Chemical Solutions’ Reach with Acquisition of Acme Southern
(SAVANNAH, GA) Leading independent chemical distributor, Colonial Chemical Solutions, Inc., a subsidiary of Savannah-based Colonial Group, Inc., is pleased to announce that on Thursday, Sept. 4, the company acquired Acme Southern, Inc. based out of Pineville, NC.
Acme Southern began as Acme Soap & Chemical in Cambridge, Mass. in 1929. The Eichorn family made soaps and detergents for the local wool industry. Since then, the chemical company has been family owned and operated. In the early 1970s, Acme Soap & Chemical became Acme Southern, Inc. Thirty-four years later, Acme Southern relocated from a 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse to their current 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse in South Charlotte. In 2009, Acme Southern celebrated their 80th year as chemical distributors.
Kevin Eichorn, Vice President and general manager of Acme Southern, Inc., speaking on behalf of the Eichorn family said, “putting it simply, this combination of two independent chemical distributors in the Southeast is good for the Eichorn family, is good for the employees of Acme Southern, and we will prove to our mutual customers that it is good for them as well.”
Prior to the acquisition, Colonial Chemical Solutions managed distribution hubs in Savannah, Georgia and Wilmington, North Carolina. The addition of Acme brings Colonial Chemical Solutions into the heart of North Carolina.
Rob Roberts, Vice President and General Manager of Colonial Chemical Solutions noted that “both companies are part of century old, family run businesses and share a common culture where the customer is king. Both do whatever it takes to provide the customer with what they need, when they need it.”
From Colonial Chemical Solutions’ distribution hubs, products are shipped throughout the Southeastern United States and even around the world by rail, tank, trucks, totes, drums and bags. Colonial Chemical Solutions also has a unique Food Grade / Kosher packaging facility enhancing the line of available products. Its Savannah distribution terminal is strategically located adjacent to one of the largest container ports on the East Coast.
Robert H. Demere, Jr., President of Colonial Group sees more growth ahead, “Colonial Chemical Solutions leverages a unique combination of logistical efficiencies and strategic sourcing to deliver tremendous value for their customer base. These advantages help ensure further growth and are the product of a team wholly committed to growing stronger each day they come to work.”
Demere said the acquisition of Acme represents an important milestone for the company and “reaffirms Colonial Chemical Solutions’ expanding reach in the domestic market based upon an unparalleled commitment to delivering the highest levels of value and service to its customers.”
ABOUT COLONIAL GROUP, INC
A third generation family company founded in 1921, Colonial Group, Inc. (“Colonial Group”) is a diversified energy and port-related company, ranking #59 on Forbes List of America’s Largest Private companies with over 900 employees. Its history is rooted in the marketing, retailing, and distribution of petroleum products for the transportation, industrial, and marine applications. Over the years, its offerings have grown to include natural gas storage and marketing, liquid and dry bulk terminaling, retail fuel & ENMARK convenience stores, industrial chemical supply & distribution, and marine vessel safety and compliance consulting. For more information on Colonial Group, Inc., please call 912-236-1331 or visit www.colonialgroupinc.com .
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