29 October 2007 - Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) has formed an industrial chemicals group with a focus on dramatically increasing ADM's presence in industrial markets. This business will leverage ADM's processing expertise, fermentation and separation technologies and global distribution network to expand ADM's product offerings in industrial chemicals by working to commercialize additional chemicals from renewable feedstocks.
“Renewable, biobased industrial chemicals fit into two major trends that we’re seeing in the marketplace: the desire to improve a product’s environmental footprint and the desire to reduce the use of petroleum-based products. In the short-term, we see opportunity to commercialize direct replacements for typically petroleum-derived chemicals. And in the longer-term, we see even more opportunities to develop new chemicals which provide increased functionality and are better for the environment. As one of the world’s largest processors of renewable feedstocks, ADM has a unique opportunity to succeed in this area,” said John Rice, executive vice president, Commercial and Production.
To lead the new industrial chemicals business, ADM has hired Janet Mann as general manager, Industrial Chemicals, reporting to Rice. Mann joins ADM from Chemtura Corporation where she was vice president and general manager, Performance Specialties. Mann previously served as business director for The Dow Chemical Company and executive vice president of Dow’s ANGUS Chemical subsidiary. She received a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Bradley University.
“The demand for biobased solutions is growing rapidly in the industrial segment. ADM has the assets and knowledge to commercialize many chemicals from renewable agricultural feedstocks, and I am very excited to join the team,” said Mann.
“Janet brings a deep understanding of the chemical and plastics industry to the ADM team. She has expertise in developing and implementing successful business strategies focused on growth in the chemical industry,” said Rice.