October 4, 2019 - AB Specialty Silicones LLC, a U.S. manufacturer and global distributor of specialty silicone products, announced today that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has granted an exclusion for silicones in primary forms, HTSUS 3910.00.0000, subject to Section 301 tariffs. Silicone is sourced from China for use in U.S. production facilities and sold worldwide.
Mac Penman, General Manager, led the exclusion process for the silicone industry. Tariffs have significantly impacted the industry, and negatively impacted other American businesses along the downstream supply chain, for example, the U.S. construction industry, where silicone is used in roof coatings, adhesives, sealants, and for waterproofing of wallboard. U.S. silicone manufacturers do not have the capacity to produce silicone in the quantities that would satisfy North American demand.
“We are very appreciative that the USTR and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection have granted this exclusion. We are pursuing a new exclusion application to strengthen the U.S. silicone industry,” said Mac Penman. “We remain hopeful that the trade negotiations will come to a successful and fair conclusion which will resolve all disputes and eliminate tariffs for the benefit of American manufacturers and workers.” Press Release

January 15, 2019 - AB Specialty Silicones has purchased another location further expanding both storage and production capabilities. The addition comes on the heels of a year full of growth and improvements in 2018: the company expanded storage and production, added equipment enhancing capabilities, unveiled a new top-of-the-line laboratory, launched their new website, and introduced many new and innovative products to the marketplace. The new location provides AB Specialty Silicones with an additional 40,000 square feet of production, warehouse, and office space. The continuous expansion of the Waukegan, Illinois corporate campus now comprises of four buildings and over 240,000 square feet that includes their headquarters, manufacturing, research & development and warehouse locations. Press Release

October 12, 2018 - Due to the growing environmental safety concerns about cyclopentasiloxane, commonly known as D5, this new emulsifier offers similar performance while avoiding pending regulatory issues. Emulsifiers are easy to use and offer flexible manufacturing capabilities, including cold processing. They are high performance and meet the need for superior aesthetics and delivering enhanced actives. A highly desirable benefit in skin care products is added hydration and the ability to moisturize. Silicone emulsifiers allow for high water content formulations which meet the number one consumer need, combating dry skin. Emulsifiers also thicken the end product and help keep overall formulation costs down. Silicone emulsifiers are recommended for use in skin care, antiperspirant & deodorants, and color cosmetics. Press Release

October 4, 2018 - Due to the lack of availability of dimethiconol gum in the marketplace, AB Specialty Silicones added a line of vinyl gum blends to their personal care offerings. These products function the same as their dimethiconol gum blend counterparts, however they have different INCI designations.View press release on new our vinyl gum blends

July 9, 2018 - In June, 2018, AB Specialty Silicones completed a significant renovation and expansion of their R&D and QA location tripling the area. Additional laboratory facilities and equipment have dramatically increased technical capabilities for product analysis and performance evaluation that will enhance product development, performance testing and technical service. View press release on new our lab renovation

May 1, 2018 - AB Specialty Silicones has completed a significant plant expansion in a continuing effort to meet the growing needs of the silicone marketplace. At the center of the project is a new reactor that dramatically increases the company’s annual specialty fluid production capabilities. To accommodate the manufacturing gain, storage for raw materials and finished products have also tripled in capacity. View press release on new our new reactor

May 1, 2018 - Based on industry demand, AB Specialty Silicones is adding a line of silicone emulsifiers to their personal care offerings. These products are easy to use and offer flexible manufacturing capabilities, including cold processing. View press release on new silicone emulsifier product line

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