Log InAppointment of industry leader signals evolution or Airedale
8 November 2022
Members News
The Airedale Group has cemented its position as a leading force in the chemical industry with the appointment of Richard Ward as group business director.
Richard, who joins the company from Brenntag where he was President for the UK & Ireland Essentials business and a board member for 13 years, has spent almost 25 years with the business gaining invaluable chemical manufacturing and distribution experience.
With almost three decades of industry experience including mergers and acquisitions, business growth, systems and processes and commercial relationships, he joins the company at a pivotal time as the business continues to deploy its five-year plan based around growth, automation and increased efficiency.
His role will involve leveraging his relationships within the industry to develop Airedale Chemical’s product portfolio and increase market penetration in selected sectors. He will build on the company’s existing reputation for customer service and assist in its plans for development through acquisitions.
Richard explains: “I’m joining the team at an incredibly exciting time as they continue on their path to expansion following some great investments in its site, its employees and the fleet. The ambition here is infectious and I’m delighted to be joining them on the journey to achieve its ambitions, while retaining its outstanding commitment to customer care.
“I truly believe a successful business is based on its suppliers, its customers and most importantly, its people, which is something I share with the team at the Airedale Group.”
Group CEO, Chris Chadwick, adds: “Richard joining us at Airedale is the final piece of the jigsaw as we continue to roll out our plans for growth and improvement across the group. His experience and connections in the industry are second-to-none and we’re over the moon to have him onboard. We’re entirely confident his presence will be transformative for the company and is indicative of the gravitas and position of strength we now hold in the industry.”
As group business director, Richard will be engaged with activity across the Airedale Group’s business’ which currently include Airedale Chemical, Airedale Solutions, Rigest and Alutech.
To find out more visit www.airedale-group.com.
Chris Chadwick Airedale Group CEO with Richard Ward Group Business Director
Established in 1973, the Airedale Chemical specialises in the manufacture and distribution of commodity chemicals, polymers, surfactants, phosphates and phosphonates to an extensive range of market sectors across the UK and Europe.
Its ISO9001 and ISO14001 accredited manufacturing plant facilitates operations such as mixing, blending, chemical reaction and chemical product development.
Airedale Chemical is a leader in chemical contract manufacturing and can undertake a variety of blends on-site from one to 120 tonnes for any type of customer.
Uniquely, Airedale Chemical owns and operates its own chemical transportation fleet allowing it to provide a flexible and reactive chemical distribution service.
To find out more about its products, chemical distribution, chemical manufacturing and toll manufacturing for the UK chemical industry, visit www.airedalechemical.com.