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PiccoloKing on 10/17/2012 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Thanks for accepting bro :)

PiccoloKing on 10/20/2012 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

I'm your good friend.

PiccoloKing on 10/20/2012 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

The neighborhood savior, Piccolo King.

PiccoloKing on 10/20/2012 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Piccolo King, a hero to everyone
Fights his battles to the end, never giving up
Seeking justice, never far away
Always there to help the weak, fending off the bad
Loved by all, he'll never let us down
We will never lose the faith, for Piccolo King
Seeking truth, defeating lies
Flying high through clear blue skies
Finding ways to protect us all
He's our man standing strong and tall

Red2Black2 on 11/13/2018 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Reading depends mainly on fundamental ‘previsions’ of what is
being read. That is, before reading a poem, we have a pre-conceived
idea of what to expect in a poem. In Bloom’s view, various modes of
criticism – from the modern humanistic criticism represented by
Matthew Arnold, to M.H. Abrams, and modern deconstructive criticism
from Heidegger to Paul de Man – illustrate the irony of the gap between
expectations and fulfilment. In fact, Bloom goes to the extent of stating
that deconstructive praxis looks more like a refinement upon New
Criticism than a break with the New Critical mode. But Bloom makes a
distinction between his antithetical criticism and the regular
deconstructive pattern. He claims that “antithetical criticism makes an
authentic break with rhetorical criticism” (31) and adds that it is his
concept of trope that is least understood by his readers. His theory of
trope follows the language of poetry and theosophies of several
varieties, but he claims that it goes beyond the concept of trope
expounded by other rhetoricians. Bloom’s concept of trope is guided
by Nietzsche, who considered art as ‘the cult of the untrue.’ For
Nietzsche, truth has a deconstructive component and it is art which
acts as a beneficent illusion that sustains us. In the Bloomian
panorama “a trope is thus a way of carrying a perpetual imperfection
across the river of becoming, while thinking we carry a goddess” (Agon
32). In the theory of the anxiety of influence, ‘Being’ is belatedness and
troping helps to reverse such belatedness.

Bloom crosses over from Nietzsche to Emerson to further
elucidate his specific use of tropes. In this context, Bloom waxes
eloquent on the emancipatory and exhilarating effect of tropes, fables,
oracles and all poetic forms. Emerson derived his diachronic troping
from Milton and, like him, Emerson too established three temporal
zones as the basis of this figuration. Tracing the source of diachronic
rhetoric, Bloom goes from Emerson to the Sophists like Protagoras and
Gorgias for the authentic origins of an antithetical criticism. Mario
Untersteiner, who expounded the principle that “Man is the master of all
experience” (Agon 35), is another prominent precursor, who in his book
The Sophists had explained the ideas of Gorgias and Protagoras.
Bloom interprets Untersteiner’s principle of experiences to include “the
experience of reading or interpreting texts of any and every kind” (35).
Both Protagoras and Gorgias teach that the relativity of meaning and
meanings are presences and not absences, presences of a flickering
nature and always in flux. Bloom considers Kenneth Burke as a
contemporary Gorgias, and Burke’s The Rhetoric of Religion is an
influential work for deconstructors. Bloom says:

for Burke as for Gorgias and for the School of
Deconstruction, the trope is a figure of knowledge. For me,
it is always a figure of willing and of not-knowing; and in
fact I have a suspicion that an uncertainty in Gorgias also
fixes the will as decisive, there at the origins of rhetoric.

Gorgias distinguishes between two aspects of rhetoric-the
‘persuasion’ of logos and the ‘deception’ of logos. Of these, ‘deception’
is more ambivalent than ‘persuasion’ as it relies on the difficult concept
kairos which has undergone Christian modifications too. Bloom says
that the meaning of kairos is so ambivalent that it sums up everything
that Freud came to call primal ambivalence. In Pindar, Bloom points
out, kairos is the knowledge of the moment in which the intimate
relation between things is realized. Bloom sees in it a, negative
moment also, in which the disconnection between things is also
revealed.

Bloom expounds his theory that poetry is in effect criticism-an
idea that, with the help of the concept of kairos, forms one of the
principal theses of revisionism. He explicitly states in Agon: “Poetry is
in effect criticism, because kairos is the heart of poetry, and kairos
testifies to the non-rationality of the cosmos” (36-7). He asserts that
the functions of both poetry and criticism are founded on the irrational
and deceptive element of sensibility. He adds later:

For poetry and criticism (by which I do continue to mean a
single entity) have always been pragmatic events. They
are not measurements of duration, but fictions of duration,
and they are closer to lies and self-deceptions than any
other fictions. If we ever get a vigorous philosophy of lie,
then we may be close to a useful philosophy of poetry.

Until a sound philosophy of poetry is devised, Bloom foresees a
‘dialectical war of the will against anteriority,’ which feigns to rescue
‘and preserve tradition, as was illustrated in the criticism of Samuel
Johnson, William Hazlitt, John Ruskin, Thomas Carlyle, Ralph Waldo
Emerson and Friedrich Nietzsche.

Bloom further says that it is difficult to reconcile, within the ‘tragic
incanter’ of kairos, the idea that man is the master of all things
including texts, and Bloom points out that Untersteiner sees in this
incompatibility an inverse relationship between the visions of
Protagoras and Gorgias. The sort of antithetical criticism expounded by
Bloom can absorb even the antithesis between the two great sophists
Gorgias and Protagoras. According to Bloom, a poem or any verbal
invention must exemplify kairos in the “imaginative sense of the
opportune, of the possible image” (Agon 38). Thus Bloom translated
kairos as “‘image of voice’ or ‘crossing’ or more broadly as poetic
stance; in the most agonistic sense, it is a stance against all
competition, or in Freud’s terms final ambivalence, due to the
fundamental fusion-diffusion of the two drives, Eros and Thanatos”
(38). Thus in Bloomian theory kairos forms a trope for the figuration of
poetry as well as a metaphor for criticism.

Bloomian theory seems to aim at autonomy and novelty as goals
of strong reading and strong writing. This is at variance with the
traditional critic who aims at acceptance and popularity. Bloom
declares, “I am charmed when I observe Frank Lentricchia ending his
recent book After the New Criticism by saying that any desire to be an
original theorist is what is most retrograde and anti-intellectual in
contemporary criticism” (38-9). Here Bloom interprets the word
‘intellectual’ to mean ‘consensus.’ He elaborates:

I don’t find much pragmatic difference between the
academic moldy figs who cry out slogans of ideas and
meanings, and the augmenting textualist parroting the new
dogmas that there are only texts, that there is nothing
outside the text, and that the text, to become text, has to
suspend, their referential aspects. (39)

Similarly he cannot perceive any tangible difference between
traditionalist critics who view all literary influences as benign and
deconstructive assumptions that every text, being random and
discontinuous, is cut off from all literary influences. For Bloom criticism
must always pose pragmatic questions on the uses of poetry or that of
criticism. H~s vindicates his stance:

poetry and criticism are useful not for what they really are,
but for whatever poetic and critical use you can usurp
them to, which means that interpretive poems and poetic
interpretations are concepts you make happen, rather than
concepts of being. (39)

This is contrary to both structuralist and New Critical assumptions
which do not give a place to the psyche which makes things happen.
Bloom lashes out against the conception of the New Critics that a work
of art is self-contained:

my caved-in armchair doesn’t have a meaning or
meanings, and the sonorous declaration that there is
nothing outside of the text only says, to me, that there is
nothing like my caved-in old armchair except for some
other caved-in old armchair, or as Richard Rorty again
observes, that all descriptive vocabularies are mortal. (39)

Bloom elaborates from William James, concentrating on what he
considers a key concept therein, “Theories thus become instruments,
not answers to enigmas, in which we can rest. We don’t lie back upon
them, we move forward, and, on occasion, make nature over again by
their aid” (qtd. in Agon 40). Bloom deconstructs these lines by
substituting ‘poetry’ and/ or ‘criticism’ for ‘nature’ and presents his view
of the proper function of critical theory. Such a theory cannot explain
what poetry really is or decide the meaning of a poem. It tries to
change our notion of poems, poets and poetry, at least for the time
being. Bloom reacts to Lentricchia’s descriptions of the Bloomian
theory as inviting “interpretive anarchy: a programmatic subjectivism
that can only lead to the purist of relativisms” (Agon 41).

Bloom sees the term ‘interpretive anarchy’ “as an anxious name
to give the necessity for misreading, which Emerson called self-reliance”
(41). Bloom denies Lentricchia’s fear that his theory would
debase all talk about poetry to trivia and replies:

Great criticism has achieved its curious universalism only
by the same merely apparent interpretive anarchy that
strong poetry has manifested. Criticism and poetry are not
primarily political, social, economic or philosophical
processes; they are barely epistemological events, which is
why Foucault, whatever use he may have for the history of
ideas, is so massively irrelevant a theorist for the history of
poetry and criticism, by which I mean a poetic and critical
view of history. (41)

Another vital argument in Bloom is that the concept of poetic truth
is a fiction. There is nothing like poetic truth and all we have is the
version of truth interpreted by each reader:

Criticism is not going to discover the truth any more than
philosophy is going to uncover any truth; if there were
poetic truth then there might be the Stevens, the Shelley,
the Wordsworth. Emerson and Nietzsche and James and
Pater and Wilde all teach us that the Emerson and
Nietzsche and so on just do not exist, except as critical
fictions. (42)

Bloom uses all these arguments to counter Lentricchia’s arguments
and he effectively establishes that “Lentricchia’s ‘Bloom’ does not exist;
he is Lentricchia’s critical fiction, very useful for finishing a book” (42).

Bloom raises two major points with regard to criticism. One is
that models for criticism should be pragmatic and not traditionally
philosophical, and secondly, they cannot keep away interpretive
anarchy. These paradigms for criticism are instruments which can be
used to replace other instruments. He insists that every criticism
depends upon a paradigm even if it is unaware of the paradigm.

While Hartman saw the pinnacle of reductionism in the
tendencies of New Criticism, Bloom sees reductionism in
deconstruction also. His argument is that deconstructive and other
post-Heideggerian schools of criticism make use of a linguistic
paradigm:

which reduces to the very odd trope of a demiurgical entity
named ‘Language’ acting like a Univac, and endlessly
doing our writing for us. I don’t find this trope any more
persuasive than the traditionalist trope of the Imagination
as a kind of mortal god endlessly doing our writing for us.
(Agon 43)

Deconstruction cannot answer how meaning can be arrived at. As to
the problem of arriving at meaning, Bloom proposes three solutions
which turn upon catastrophe, transference, usurpation and upon
violence.

In Bloomian theory, interpretation is implicitly hierarchical and
cannot proceed without an usurpation of authority. Meaning can be
arrived at by a catastrophe or by a transference of a purely fictive
earlier authority to a later representative. Meaning can also be arrived
at through an act of violence, textual or physical. Bloom derived these
notions from quite a number of precursors: Freud, Schopenhauer,
Nietzsche, Hegel, Carlyle, Emerson and Pater. Of Freud, Bloom
asserts, “his was the mythopoeic mind of our age, as much as our
theologian and our moral philosopher as he was our psychologist and
our prime maker of fictions” (Agon 43-4). For Freud, meaning is
initiated by catastrophes at our origins “by family passion and strife in
our development, by transferring repressed earlier ambivalences onto
later authority figures in our maturer educations, loves and therapies”
(44). However, there are also catastrophe creations in Gnosticism and
Kabbalah. Freud’s most important work, in Bloom’s perspective, is
Totem and Taboo and he posits greatness to this work not for its
intellectual output but for its pattern.

Another influence on Bloom is Kenneth Burke. According to
Burke we can arrive at meaning by denial: “the self-contradictory denial
of any anteriority [ ... ] The negative in language, like God in theology,
simply is a trope that works, and that helps Burke to set going various
machines for criticism” (44-5). Bloom concludes by saying that “the
·idea of poetry always is more founded upon the idea of criticism than
criticism ever is founded upon poetry,” and once more affirms that
“criticism is not so much prose poetry as poetry is verse criticism” (45).
He clarifies it further by pointing out that “even Shelleyan love lyric is as
much verse criticism as are Horace and Pope” (45). Bloom insists that
paradigms are necessary for deciding meaning “because poems
themselves rely upon paradigms, indeed are commentaries upon
paradigms” (45). He finds three major paradigms that poems tend to
rely on. They are catastrophe creation, agonistic strife and
transference of ambivalence.

Yet another important concept is ‘intra-textuality’ which is Bloom’s
refinement upon ‘intertextuality’:

What is called intertextuality these days in an ancient
critical and poetic phenomenon, more traditionally
subsumed under the broad categories of echo, allusion and
influence. I myself prefer ‘intra-textuality,’ since ‘inside’ and
‘outside’ are wholly figurative notions in relation to poems.
What matters is the sense or senses in which poems are
internal to one another, say as the Ode on a Grecian Urn of
Keats internalizes itself as ‘porcelain’ in Stevens’ poem.
(Agon 46)

The critic as reader is exhorted to join the poet as reader in the
finding of a “true mask of personality [ ... ] though the finding of such a
mask and work of meditating upon it, will not make fresh suffering less
necessary” (47). Bloom sees criticism as ‘a communicable art,’ which
needs instruction and revisionary invention. Criticism cannot be
equated with social science or human science. “Its earliest master was
Aristophanes. That criticism should have found its origin in satire and
farce surely ought not to be forgotten when we brood upon the nature
of this literary art” (48).

Like Hartman, Bloom too takes up the cudgels against T.S. Eliot,
who marginalised criticism. Bloom brings in Oscar Wilde’s insight that
criticism is only a civilized form of autobiography. “The true critic,
whether Aristophanes or Wilde or Kenneth Burke, knows that criticism,
like poetry, cannot be an escape from personality” (48). Bloom says
that the various waves of modernism from Eliot to the belated
modernism of Barthes and Foucault have tried at “emptying out the
authorial subject” (48), but Bloom asserts that this not much of a
modern enterprise, in fact it has been there from the second century
B.C. Alexandria down to the present. Bloom opposes Eliot’s and
Barthes’s notions thus:

Personality in any case cannot be avoided except by
personality, it being an oddity (perhaps) that Eliot and
Barthes matter as critics because they are indeed critical
personalities, if less intense and vivid say than Hazlitt and
Wilde. Critical personality does not seem to me to differ in
degree or in kind from poetic personality, and personality in
this sense seems to me as much a cognitive as an affective
term. (48)

Bloom further adds that the critical personality can be reduced
rhetorically to stance or tone or even to diction, but there are limits to
such a reduction.

Criticism can be read just as poetry is read and reading gives a
sense of “what Milton’s Satan calls quickening power” (48). Bloom
says that we may neither be artists nor ideologues, but all readers and
viewers are essentially critics. He equates poetry with love affairs and
films and in all these there are always crises, significant disjunctions in
which meaning appears to be collected. Bloom admits that his
observations were founded upon the ethos of Freud who argues that
influence or transference is a process involving three prime concepts:
power, authority, tradition (Agon 49). Power is defined “as the capacity
to wound; authority may be identified as what we all sense has been
lost from our world; tradition appears now to be the trope of usurpation
and imposition” (49). Of the three, tradition is the largest and the
loosest, which does not exclude internalized violence or any mode of
persuasiveness. Revisionism in Bloom’s theory is “an energiser” (50)
even when it works through a loss. But a loss of idealization whether in
regard to poem or persons is very difficult for almost anyone to accept.
But idealization of poets and poetry does not help. Idealization
weakens the spirit by “inverting value in a context that cannot sustain
value, in itself” (50). Therefore, Bloomian revisionist criticism aims at
de-idealization achieved through misreading, thereby ‘creating’ a new
text.

PiccoloKing on 1/17/2020 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Indeed, trying to teach these Federer haters why Federer is the GOAT is like trying to teach a child concepts like morality and the existence of the soul. The child, being a naïve creature, will invariably want empirical evidence, he will want to take the argument into the direction of stats, figures, and things of that material nature. And you can’t blame the child for doing so, for his purview of knowledge is limited. Such concepts, it is true, are hard to learn and harder still to teach; but once learnt they cannot be unlearnt. Once you know in your heart and soul that Federer is the GOAT, any mist of doubt you had will have cleared, and you will have grasped a truth that is not only self-evident and self-explanatory, but inescapable.

PiccoloKing on 1/30/2020 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

http://conspiracyfiles.uk.gridhosted.co.uk/other_files/illuminati-pedophilia-what-is-the-role-of-the-awakening-community/

PiccoloKing on 2/27/2020 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Connell delivers innovative products to customers with Geltor distribution agreement
4 November 2019
Markets Insider

100% animal-free collagen to revolutionize evolving international beauty markets

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell, a Wilbur-Ellis company and a leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announced today it is the exclusive distributor for Geltor, a biodesign company developing high-value designer proteins, starting with collagen. Its proteins are 100% animal- and GMO-free and are cultivated using a sustainable fermentation process. Geltor is headquartered in San Leandro, California.

By partnering with the most innovative companies, Connell gives its customers a creative edge in new product development to help them drive market share and growth. Connell’s comprehensive pipeline of breakthrough products, technical and supply chain solutions offers a superior customer experience and opportunities for collaborative innovation. With this distribution agreement, Connell introduces technology that will revolutionize the personal care market in Asia-Pacific.

Because it is produced using a clean fermentation process with no animal inputs, Geltor’s line of natural and premium collagens are the purest available on the market. Used in skin care formulations, it creates biocompatibility with human skin, while being produced both more sustainably and ethically than animal-sourced collagens. These versatile ingredients can be used in new ways to meet evolving customer needs, as in making halal products for the growing Muslim beauty market. Geltor received an enthusiastic reception at recent trade shows in Asia where consumers immediately recognized the superior quality of its product.

“I am deeply impressed with Geltor’s approach to innovation,” said Azita Owlia, president and CEO of Connell. “It’s intensely focused on solving customer problems, just like we do at Connell. We hold ourselves responsible for bringing our customers the latest innovations to help them meet the needs of their own customers. These days, sustainability is a top priority for consumers. Alliances with companies like Geltor help our customers stay on top of their game.”

“Geltor is thrilled to be partnering with a world-class distribution partner of Connell’s caliber,” said Alexander Lorestani, CEO and co-founder of Geltor. “The team’s uncompromising commitment to excellence in all they do has been palpable from the start of our relationship. It’s an honor to be working with Connell to bring the benefits of Geltor’s ingredients to customers across the Asia-Pacific region.”

The agreement is expected to take effect immediately.


Connell expands food offerings with acquisition of Inno-Cosmic, Nation Maple in Malaysia
24 September 2019
PR Newswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell, a Wilbur-Ellis company and a leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announces today the acquisition of the assets of Inno-Cosmic and Nation Maple, leading distributors of instant beverage raw materials in Malaysia.

Inno-Cosmic and Nation Maple have an extensive commercial network across Malaysia and longstanding relationships with customers in the instant beverage industry. Since 1998, Inno-Cosmic has been the exclusive distributor for a prestigious creamers and foamers supplier, a partnership that has made Inno-Cosmic the leading distributor in Malaysia’s three-in-one hot beverage industry. The Company is also leading innovative solutions in the fast-growing plant-based dairy alternative drinks market.

“Combining Inno-Cosmic’s longstanding local presence and expertise with Connell’s far-reaching, international network will broaden our offerings to our customers and market,” said Connell’s President and CEO Dr. Azita Owlia. She added that “with this acquisition, Connell continues to show its commitment to our customers that are seeking premium brands and expertise.”

“The acquisition of Inno-Cosmic will increase Connell’s presence in the fast-growing hot beverage segment in Malaysia,” said KK Chee, regional director of Connell. “Combined with our track record in value creation in the food and nutrition market, we can offer an enhanced portfolio to deliver innovative solutions to our customers.”

“We greatly admire Connell’s premier position in the food and nutrition and pharmaceutical segments, which we strongly believe will bring significant benefits to our long-term customers, international suppliers and partners,” said Inno-Cosmic’s Managing Director Loh Kok Wai. “By leveraging Connell’s wide market coverage in these segments in Malaysia, coupled with its high technical competency, commitment to customer service, vast resources and capabilities, we can provide a solid business platform to drive and grow our current business to greater heights.”

The acquisition of Inno-Cosmic’s and Nation Maple’s assets by Connell takes effect immediately.

Connell broadens offering to its Life Science customers with the acquisition of Ingredient Resources
15 May 2019
P&T Community

SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell, a Wilbur-Ellis company and a leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announces today the acquisition of Ingredient Resources Pty Limited, a supplier and distributor of innovative, valued-added ingredients in Australia and New Zealand. Ingredient Resources supplies numerous first-class manufacturers in the food and beverage, confectionery, flavor and fragrance, cosmetic, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

With this acquisition, Connell expands its ability to offer its customers state-of-the-art solutions with Ingredient Resources' highly specialized product range and innovative ingredients, benefitting its customers far beyond Australia and New Zealand. This acquisition enhances Connell's formulation advice and technical support to create unique offerings for its customers and end users.

“This acquisition represents a unique opportunity for us to further solidify our relationships with our customers through expanded ingredients offerings that can help them with new product development,” said Connell President and CEO, Dr. Azita Owlia. She added that Ingredient Resources will bring new long-term relationships with international ingredient suppliers that are at the forefront of ingredient technology.

Connell will reaffirm its premier position in the life science space with this acquisition. “Acquiring the Ingredient Resources business, with its exclusive partnerships with world-class supply partners, is very exciting,” said Connell Australasia General Manager Graham Brown. “I'm excited to work closely with Ingredient Resources' Founder and CEO Dennis Chesser who brings extensive expertise and market knowledge. This acquisition strengthens our market position in the food, nutrition and nutraceuticals markets, while reinforcing our commitment to the Australasian market.”

“Joining Connell brings greater financial stability to grow the “value-added” ingredient business, ably supported by our international supply partners,” shared Ingredient Resources Founder and CEO Dennis Chesser. “We are proud to join Connell, a strong and dynamic organization with a 120-year history of continuous growth in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Connell Bros. Changes Name, Introduces New CEO Role
1 February 2019
PR Newswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell Bros. Co. LLC, a company of Wilbur-Ellis and the leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announced a strategic rebranding of the company under the new name, “Connell.”

“The name change to Connell honors the two brothers who founded the Company in 1898 and celebrates today’s 1200 team members across Asia-Pacific and the United States,” said Dr. Azita Owlia, president and new CEO of Connell. The rebranding reflects the Company’s continued evolution through developing a strong and consistent platform across Asia-Pacific, with focus on deepening creativity, innovation and service. Its redesigned logo symbolizes its inclusive and high energy culture.

Owlia’s appointment to president and CEO recognizes the strong strategic leadership and direction that she brings to the Company. She has pushed a company-wide, multiyear effort to build an innovative platform geared towards exceptional customer experience. Prior to joining Connell, Dr. Owlia served as a senior vice president at Bayer MaterialScience, currently known as Covestro. Owlia, based in San Francisco and Hong Kong, joined the Company in 2011 as vice president of North Asia.

“Azita has a proven track record of leading global companies through strategic change by focusing on integrity and shared values,” said Wilbur-Ellis President and CEO John Buckley. “Her ability to grow specialty businesses is just one of the reasons I’m so confident in her abilities. I am honored and proud to have Dr. Owlia at the helm in this moment of evolution. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to innovate for our employees, suppliers and customers.”

Connell Brothers appoints Azita Owlia as Vice President in North Asia
30 November 2011
K-Online

According to the company, the newly created position of Vice President, North Asia, reflects the growth of Connell Brothers’ business during the past decade. North Asia now represents a significant share of the company’s overall sales revenue. Azita Owlia, who will be based in Hong Kong, will support and strengthen the company’s business platform in the region.

“As we continue to grow our business and services for customers and suppliers, North Asia, under Owlia’s leadership, will be a key focus area for the company,” said Ted Eliot, president of Connell Brothers. “Owlia will play a critical role in identifying and promoting new opportunities and will develop a strategic direction for each country and market segment. With her successful track record of building dynamic multinational teams, implementing long-term strategies and developing innovative market solutions, we are confident that she will further advance our market position in the region.”

Owlia has a Ph.D. in Chemistry, an MBA, and more than 20 years of industry experience. In her most recent role with Bayer Material Science, she led a polyurethane and thermoplastic urethane business with more than 850 employees and sales of more than USD 1 billion. She has also held various Vice President and management roles during her tenure with the company.

“I am delighted to be a part of Connell Brothers and look forward to working with the accomplished teams and country managers to build on the company’s more than 100 years of success,” Owlia said. “I believe our combined competencies will further enhance our relationships and presence across North Asia, and will continue to provide Connell Brothers’ valued customers and suppliers with high-quality services and technical capabilities.”

PiccoloKing on 2/27/2020 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

I am honored and proud to have Dr. Owlia at the helm in this moment of evolution. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to innovate for our employees, suppliers and customers."

PiccoloKing on 2/27/2020 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

During Owlia’s tenure as vice president of North Asia, she developed and implemented a multi-year growth strategy for the region. This included both a new structure for business development efforts to accelerate new sales, as well as a refocusing on core strategic segments. In her new role as president of Connell Brothers, Owlia will spearhead the next phase of growth for Connell Brothers throughout Asia-Pacific and across all segments, including coatings & ink, construction, food ingredients & nutrition, personal & home care, pharma ingredients and plastics. She will also manage Connell Brothers’ supply chain operations and continue to build on its industry leading reputation for quality and safety.

PiccoloKing on 2/27/2020 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Connell delivers innovative products to customers with Geltor distribution agreement
4 November 2019
Markets Insider

100% animal-free collagen to revolutionize evolving international beauty markets

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell, a Wilbur-Ellis company and a leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announced today it is the exclusive distributor for Geltor, a biodesign company developing high-value designer proteins, starting with collagen. Its proteins are 100% animal- and GMO-free and are cultivated using a sustainable fermentation process. Geltor is headquartered in San Leandro, California.

By partnering with the most innovative companies, Connell gives its customers a creative edge in new product development to help them drive market share and growth. Connell’s comprehensive pipeline of breakthrough products, technical and supply chain solutions offers a superior customer experience and opportunities for collaborative innovation. With this distribution agreement, Connell introduces technology that will revolutionize the personal care market in Asia-Pacific.

Because it is produced using a clean fermentation process with no animal inputs, Geltor’s line of natural and premium collagens are the purest available on the market. Used in skin care formulations, it creates biocompatibility with human skin, while being produced both more sustainably and ethically than animal-sourced collagens. These versatile ingredients can be used in new ways to meet evolving customer needs, as in making halal products for the growing Muslim beauty market. Geltor received an enthusiastic reception at recent trade shows in Asia where consumers immediately recognized the superior quality of its product.

“I am deeply impressed with Geltor’s approach to innovation,” said Azita Owlia, president and CEO of Connell. “It’s intensely focused on solving customer problems, just like we do at Connell. We hold ourselves responsible for bringing our customers the latest innovations to help them meet the needs of their own customers. These days, sustainability is a top priority for consumers. Alliances with companies like Geltor help our customers stay on top of their game.”

“Geltor is thrilled to be partnering with a world-class distribution partner of Connell’s caliber,” said Alexander Lorestani, CEO and co-founder of Geltor. “The team’s uncompromising commitment to excellence in all they do has been palpable from the start of our relationship. It’s an honor to be working with Connell to bring the benefits of Geltor’s ingredients to customers across the Asia-Pacific region.”

The agreement is expected to take effect immediately.





























Connell expands food offerings with acquisition of Inno-Cosmic, Nation Maple in Malaysia
24 September 2019
PR Newswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell, a Wilbur-Ellis company and a leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announces today the acquisition of the assets of Inno-Cosmic and Nation Maple, leading distributors of instant beverage raw materials in Malaysia.

Inno-Cosmic and Nation Maple have an extensive commercial network across Malaysia and longstanding relationships with customers in the instant beverage industry. Since 1998, Inno-Cosmic has been the exclusive distributor for a prestigious creamers and foamers supplier, a partnership that has made Inno-Cosmic the leading distributor in Malaysia’s three-in-one hot beverage industry. The Company is also leading innovative solutions in the fast-growing plant-based dairy alternative drinks market.

“Combining Inno-Cosmic’s longstanding local presence and expertise with Connell’s far-reaching, international network will broaden our offerings to our customers and market,” said Connell’s President and CEO Dr. Azita Owlia. She added that “with this acquisition, Connell continues to show its commitment to our customers that are seeking premium brands and expertise.”

“The acquisition of Inno-Cosmic will increase Connell’s presence in the fast-growing hot beverage segment in Malaysia,” said KK Chee, regional director of Connell. “Combined with our track record in value creation in the food and nutrition market, we can offer an enhanced portfolio to deliver innovative solutions to our customers.”

“We greatly admire Connell’s premier position in the food and nutrition and pharmaceutical segments, which we strongly believe will bring significant benefits to our long-term customers, international suppliers and partners,” said Inno-Cosmic’s Managing Director Loh Kok Wai. “By leveraging Connell’s wide market coverage in these segments in Malaysia, coupled with its high technical competency, commitment to customer service, vast resources and capabilities, we can provide a solid business platform to drive and grow our current business to greater heights.”

The acquisition of Inno-Cosmic’s and Nation Maple’s assets by Connell takes effect immediately.


































Connell broadens offering to its Life Science customers with the acquisition of Ingredient Resources
15 May 2019
P&T Community

SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell, a Wilbur-Ellis company and a leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announces today the acquisition of Ingredient Resources Pty Limited, a supplier and distributor of innovative, valued-added ingredients in Australia and New Zealand. Ingredient Resources supplies numerous first-class manufacturers in the food and beverage, confectionery, flavor and fragrance, cosmetic, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

With this acquisition, Connell expands its ability to offer its customers state-of-the-art solutions with Ingredient Resources' highly specialized product range and innovative ingredients, benefitting its customers far beyond Australia and New Zealand. This acquisition enhances Connell's formulation advice and technical support to create unique offerings for its customers and end users.

“This acquisition represents a unique opportunity for us to further solidify our relationships with our customers through expanded ingredients offerings that can help them with new product development,” said Connell President and CEO, Dr. Azita Owlia. She added that Ingredient Resources will bring new long-term relationships with international ingredient suppliers that are at the forefront of ingredient technology.

Connell will reaffirm its premier position in the life science space with this acquisition. “Acquiring the Ingredient Resources business, with its exclusive partnerships with world-class supply partners, is very exciting,” said Connell Australasia General Manager Graham Brown. “I'm excited to work closely with Ingredient Resources' Founder and CEO Dennis Chesser who brings extensive expertise and market knowledge. This acquisition strengthens our market position in the food, nutrition and nutraceuticals markets, while reinforcing our commitment to the Australasian market.”

“Joining Connell brings greater financial stability to grow the “value-added” ingredient business, ably supported by our international supply partners,” shared Ingredient Resources Founder and CEO Dennis Chesser. “We are proud to join Connell, a strong and dynamic organization with a 120-year history of continuous growth in the Asia-Pacific region.”











































Connell Bros. Changes Name, Introduces New CEO Role
1 February 2019
PR Newswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell Bros. Co. LLC, a company of Wilbur-Ellis and the leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announced a strategic rebranding of the company under the new name, “Connell.”

“The name change to Connell honors the two brothers who founded the Company in 1898 and celebrates today’s 1200 team members across Asia-Pacific and the United States,” said Dr. Azita Owlia, president and new CEO of Connell. The rebranding reflects the Company’s continued evolution through developing a strong and consistent platform across Asia-Pacific, with focus on deepening creativity, innovation and service. Its redesigned logo symbolizes its inclusive and high energy culture.

Owlia’s appointment to president and CEO recognizes the strong strategic leadership and direction that she brings to the Company. She has pushed a company-wide, multiyear effort to build an innovative platform geared towards exceptional customer experience. Prior to joining Connell, Dr. Owlia served as a senior vice president at Bayer MaterialScience, currently known as Covestro. Owlia, based in San Francisco and Hong Kong, joined the Company in 2011 as vice president of North Asia.

“Azita has a proven track record of leading global companies through strategic change by focusing on integrity and shared values,” said Wilbur-Ellis President and CEO John Buckley. “Her ability to grow specialty businesses is just one of the reasons I’m so confident in her abilities. I am honored and proud to have Dr. Owlia at the helm in this moment of evolution. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to innovate for our employees, suppliers and customers.”

Connell Brothers Expands Manufacturing Capability In Asia With Acquisition Of Axxone International
25 October 2017
IT Times

SINGAPORE, Oct. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ Korea IT Times-- Connell Bros. Co. LLC (CBC), a division of Wilbur-Ellis and the largest marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, has acquired the assets of Axxone International Pte Ltd., a chemical manufacturing and distribution company with headquarters located in Singapore. Axxone's assets have been acquired by CBC's subsidiary, Core Ingredients Pte Ltd., which will continue to operate the business.

"We are very pleased that Axxone has become part of a global organization that has an extensive regional coatings research capability and all the essential technical competency for coatings development," said Axxone Co-Founder Vincent Lee. "Connecting with CBC's regional network of 18 countries throughout Asia Pacific, we are now well placed to provide even more value-added services to our clients in this region. Our search for such a partner organization has taken three years and CBC fits our needs perfectly."

Alongside over 25 technical centers and almost 50 offices Asia-wide, this new addition to the CBC portfolio is in-line with plans to broaden offerings and capabilities of blended formulations for specific applications. The new regional technical center being set up in Singapore will enhance services offered by CBC's existing regional technical center in Jakarta, Indonesia.

"CBC drives value through higher expertise by leveraging our capabilities for customers and suppliers," said CBC President Azita Owlia. "By adding Axxone's business to our portfolio, we are strengthening our platform, resulting in faster go to market for new innovations."

Core Ingredients Pte Ltd. will be the focus of CBC's formulated product growth across Asia Pacific.















Asia distributor Connell Brothers fights for growth through services
17 July 2017
ICIS

BARCELONA (ICIS)--Asia-focused chemicals distributor Connell Brothers is forging ahead with a strategy of offering enhanced technical support to customers as it seeks to drive growth in a tough business environment.

For Azita Owlia, president of Connell Brothers since January 2016, investing in staff development for technical skills is at the core of the strategy. “Our entire focus is on our people…this is how we drive value through higher expertise. We want to leverage our capabilities for customers and suppliers.”

Owlia is responding to the trend for consolidation amongst suppliers and customers which has led to suppliers taking their tier-one customers direct, leaving distributors to look at lower-tier customers.

“These customers generally have the need for different expertise. They have technical problems to solve or may have new launches where they need help,” she said.

Being a pure marketing distributor means customers see Connell as a partner and are happy to reveal their formulations, and for the company’s technicians to offer their expertise.

“This is not entirely a brand new strategy but we are putting in a lot more resources. As well as this, collaborating and sharing knowledge within the company is having a multiplier effect,” says Owlia.

She points out that suppliers are consolidating and the big distributors are all publicly owned and so are focussed on quarterly financial results. “We not only drive the business financially but have the commitment to take the time to think longer-term and focus on our people.”

M&A strategy
Apart from organic growth, Connell also seeks opportunities for mergers & acquisitions (M&A), but buying distributors can be a complex process and is not always successful.

Owlia said, “We are always looking for good acquisitions but it is not so simple - some private equity-owned companies try to make multiple acquisitions which are not always successful.”

Integrating acquisitions without losing their expertise and contacts is hazardous, especially as often disposals are driven by the desire of the vendor to retire. For any target there must be a good plan for the transfer of knowledge and experience. Owlia has a strong M&A list and hopes to do more this year.

Connell Brothers acquired Mascot in 2016, the largest personal care distributor in India. According to Owlia the integration process has been smooth and there has been significant learning from the acquisition’s expertise across Connell’s entire personal care platform.

Areas of focus
Connell Brothers has two types of businesses with different dynamics – Industrial Solutions including coatings and inks, plastics and rubber and Life Sciences with food ingredients, nutraceuticals, pharma plus personal and home care.

Owlia is keeping the focus on these core areas through acquistions but also by disposing of elements which no longer fit. This includes some refrigerants which were already restricted in Europe and the US but are still being used in Asia.

“This year we may make disposals in our industrial business in areas I don’t believe we have the mass or where it does not make sense to increase resources.”

Owlia sees more activities and interests by various players in the food and nutrition, personal care and pharmaceuticals segments which can harness the changing demands of Asia’s young, increasingly affluent and ageing society. She forecasts that their growth will be above GDP because as people become more wealthy they care more about their looks and wellbeing.

The industrial business is seeing the impact of increasing environmental awareness, for example solvents are being substituted for water-based ingredients in coatings. Growth is forecast to track GDP whereas the life sciences business is forecast to increase at a couple of percentage points above GDP.

“We use our expertise to connect with suppliers to build partnerships and increase understanding of customer trends,” says Owlia.

Financial outlook
Connell Brothers expects to achieve double-digit sales growth each year for the next three years and is on target and meeting expectations for 2017. In general the distribution market is growing faster than suppliers, partly because suppliers are so large. Margins are a significant challenge for suppliers and distributors in Asia, she says.

“The market is crowded and a lot of products have commoditised even in food, personal care and coatings. Everyone’s margins have been squeezed. We must look at value-creation and making yourself more relevant.”

So far this year the first quarter was very strong then April was weaker which Owlia attributes to some capacity constraints amongst suppliers in several product lines. Prices were increasing which encouraged a lot of pre-buying. She describes the second quarter as “OK but not stellar”. For the full years she expects similar sales growth to 2016.

For 2016 sales were flat compared to 2015 at $800m. This is because the company disposed of some businesses and instead grew in other areas which brought similar numbers at year-end.

“Demand is solid and the industrial business continues to grow in line with GDP at 4.1-4.2% across Asia. Southeast Asia is growing at over 6%. North Asia and the Pacific are flat whilst Japan is growing around 0.5-1%.”

China challenge
In common with most in the chemical industry, Owlia concedes that China is a tough market in which to do business. There is intense competition and complicated in terms of geography, behaviours, and a level of sophistication which is vastly different from one area to another.

“China is our largest business in the region but I’m not yet satisfied with our presence there – we could do a lot more,” she says.

The regulatory and approvals framework is always changing. There are “official” and “unofficial” regulations so ensuring transparency there is difficult. Demand is very varied as well as ways of doing business.

There are no plans to globalise Connell Brothers Owlia believes the company needs to stay within its core competencies.

“It’s a super-dynamic and challenging time in the world. In this difficult environment it’s good to stop and think about the challenges. We need to think about reinventing business models as we can’t take the past as a guide for the future,” she says.



Connell Brothers Names New President
20 January 2016
Asia Food Journal

Connell Brothers, a marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, has named Azita Owlia president of Connell Brothers, a Wilbur-Ellis company. Owlia was promoted from vice president to president upon Ted Eliot’s retirement at the end of 2015.

Connell Brothers, a marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, has named Azita Owlia president of Connell Brothers, a Wilbur-Ellis company. Owlia was promoted from vice president to president upon Ted Eliot’s retirement at the end of 2015.

During Owlia’s tenure as vice president of North Asia, she developed and implemented a multi-year growth strategy for the region. This included both a new structure for business development efforts to accelerate new sales, as well as a refocusing on core strategic segments. In her new role, Owlia will spearhead the next phase of growth for Connell Brothers throughout Asia-Pacific and across all segments, including coatings & ink, construction, food ingredients & nutrition, personal & home care, pharma ingredients and plastics. She will also manage Connell Brothers’ supply chain operations and continue to build on its industry leading reputation for quality and safety.

“Azita has demonstrated strong leadership and a passion to build a dynamic business; this, coupled with her intimate knowledge of our industry, partners, and the region, makes her an inspiring leader,” said John Thacher, president and chief executive officer of Wilbur-Ellis. “Connell Brothers provides innovative technological solutions, supply chain and logistics management, regulatory expertise, and most importantly, always conducts business with integrity. I’m confident Azita will continue this mission.”
Owlia joined Connell Brothers in 2011 as vice president of North Asia. She previously had a very successful 22-year career with Bayer MaterialScience (now known as Covestro), most recently serving as senior vice president, Asia-Pacific, Polyurethane Group.

Connell Brothers and FMC Expand Cooperation to Taiwan
1 July 2015
APN News

Connell Brothers (CBC), the largest specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor in Connell BrothersAsia-Pacific, announces today that they have been appointed to represent FMC in the Taiwan market for FMC’s food ingredient business starting August 8, 2015.

In this new cooperation, CBC’s Food & Nutrition team will market FMC’s high quality products for the food industry, including the world leading Avicel(R) family of Cellulose/Cellulose Gel as well as FMC extensive Natural Color series and naturally derived hydrocolloids.

“We have been expanding our partnership with FMC in Food and Nutrition as well as Pharmaceutical markets in Asia,” commented Azita Owlia, vice president, North Asia, CBC. “Our aim is to always provide our customers with the world leading ingredients and technical expertise that can help give them an edge in their market.”

“CBC has been a strategic partner to our FMC Health & Nutrition business in many countries around the world for many years,” said Stewart Campbell, Regional Commercial Director Asia Pacific. “Based on their extensive knowledge and network in the global food industry and their strong local presence in Taiwan, we are confident Connell Brothers will provide a very high level of support and service to our customers.”

Connell Brothers Expands China Presence with Acquisition of Personal and Home Care Distribution Company's Operations
3 November 2014
JCN Newswire

Acquisition Solidifies Company's Commitment to Personal and Home Care Markets in Asia-Pacific

HONG KONG, Nov, 03 2014 - (ACN Newswire) - Connell Brothers (CBC), the largest marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announced today that it has acquired the operations of Bioworld Fine Chemical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a distribution company dedicated to personal and home care ingredients in China, with rich experiences and knowledge in marketing high end botanical oils and plant extracts.

The new addition is expected to increase CBC's penetration in the skincare, hair care, color cosmetics as well as household care markets, by complementing the current product portfolio of CBC.

"We are committed to the personal care industry in Asia-Pacific and continue to seek ways to expand our capabilities. Recent investments in personnel and expansion of technical capabilities in the region, along with the representation of leading suppliers in their applications, provide our customers a superior platform to grow their businesses. The acquisition of Bioworld further expands our network and capabilities in this market," said Azita Owlia, vice president, CBC North Asia and Sponsor of CBC Personal & Home Care industries. "This is an exciting time for us, as we welcome our new customers, employees and suppliers to this platform."

Ralf Busch, general manager of CBC China, said, "Further expansion of our platform through Bioworld in Central and Southern China, coupled with the opening of a brand new technical center in Shanghai in early 2015 continue to enhance our presence in China."

"To be a part of a global company such as CBC, with extensive offerings and presence, ensures more efficient service to our partners and opportunities for our employees," said Jimmy Ren, managing director, Bioworld. "Most importantly, our new organization is now more equipped with the resources and capabilities to drive growth for our partners as we navigate the increasingly complex business environment in China."

The major products currently represented by Bioworld include high quality botanical oils and plant extracts by Distierias Munoz Galvez, S.A, the Lebermuth Company, Inc., Kumar Organic Products and Kingvish Kompany.

Connell Brothers Taiwan Awarded Exclusive Distribution Contract for Pharmaceutical Products by Ashland Specialty Ingredients
29 April 2014
Intellasia

Connell Brothers (CBC) announced today that it will represent the full portfolio of Ashland Specialty Ingredients, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (nysh:ASH) in the pharmaceutical market in Taiwan, which will significantly broaden the excipients product portfolio at CBC in Taiwan and across North Asia. CBC is the largest distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific.

The products include Plasdone(TM) Povidone, Polyplasdone(TM) Cospovidone and Cavatron(TM) and Cavasol Cyclodextrin derivatives, in addition to the cellulosics CBC has been distributing for many years. These products are compliant with regulatory guidelines in major markets around the world.

CBC continues to partner with leading chemical manufacturers to bring to market the best and most advanced products that will address Taiwan’s stronger focus on regulatory and quality standards.

“Ashland has been a long-term partner of CBC all across Asia-Pacific, and I am excited to expand our relationship with Ashland. We are expanding our operation to better position ourselves in the pharmaceutical market in Taiwan,” said Azita Owlia, vice president, North Asia. “Ashland Specialty Ingredients’ superior excipient products considerably extend and strengthen CBC’s product portfolio in the pharmaceutical industry here.”

“For more than 60 years, Ashland Specialty Ingredients has been a leading partner to the pharmaceutical industry for the commercialisation of compounds that promote human health. Ashland’s talented scientists are at work in technical centers around the world supporting virtually every phase of the drug commercialisation process,” said William Zhao, commercial director, Greater China, Ashland Specialty Ingredients. “With CBC’s strong distribution network, we are committed to providing quality products and reliable customer support to the Taiwan market.”






Lehigh to market rubber powders in Asia
25 March 2014
Tire Business

ATLANTA (March 25, 2014) — Lehigh Technologies Inc., the Atlanta-based manufacturer of “micronized” rubber powders (MRP) from recycled rubber, plans to begin marketing PolyDyne MRP in Japan and South Korea through Connell Brothers Co. Ltd., a San Francisco-based distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in the Asia Pacific region.

Having had initial success in Japan, Lehigh and Connell Brothers said they will focus on broadening industry outreach, supply chain efficiency and technical support there, as well as on introducing PolyDyne MRP to South Korea and Southeast Asia.

Having had initial success in Japan, Lehigh and Connell Brothers said they will focus on broadening industry outreach, supply chain efficiency and technical support there, as well as on introducing PolyDyne MRP to Korea and Southeast Asia.

“The Japanese tire and rubber industries have always shown clear demand for specialty materials that offer cost and environmental benefits,” said Azita Owlia, Connell Brothers vice president for North Asia, about Lehigh's products.

Lehigh's PolyDyne MRP meet the Japanese industry's stringent standards for performance, quality and safety as well as cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness, according to Mr. Owlia.











Connell Brothers Opens New Technical & Training Center in Guangzhou, Shanghai
30 August 2013
APN News

Shanghai : Connell Brothers, a division of Wilbur-Ellis Company, and the largest marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and industrial ingredients in Asia-Pacific, formally opened a Technical & Training Center in Guangzhou, China on August 30. The center will support the commercial and technical needs of Connell Brothers’ customers in coatings and ink, food, and personal care, in the South China market. The facility will offer innovative solutions for their customers’ market needs by offering application development, formulations and testing, together with hands-on lab and classroom training for customers, suppliers and employees.

“This important investment is one of several planned across the region in line with our growth strategy”, said Azita Owlia, vice president of North Asia. “We have an aggressive investment plan geared to ensure comprehensive market reach throughout North Asia for the specialty chemicals markets we serve.”

Connell Brothers also recently opened a newly expanded office in the Republic of Korea including an application laboratory specific for the personal care segment. This facility will host the expanded team in Korea, and further enhance the company’s technical support for their customers, suppliers and employees.

Connell Brothers appoints Azita Owlia as Vice President in North Asia
30 November 2011
K-Online

According to the company, the newly created position of Vice President, North Asia, reflects the growth of Connell Brothers’ business during the past decade. North Asia now represents a significant share of the company’s overall sales revenue. Azita Owlia, who will be based in Hong Kong, will support and strengthen the company’s business platform in the region.

“As we continue to grow our business and services for customers and suppliers, North Asia, under Owlia’s leadership, will be a key focus area for the company,” said Ted Eliot, president of Connell Brothers. “Owlia will play a critical role in identifying and promoting new opportunities and will develop a strategic direction for each country and market segment. With her successful track record of building dynamic multinational teams, implementing long-term strategies and developing innovative market solutions, we are confident that she will further advance our market position in the region.”

Owlia has a Ph.D. in Chemistry, an MBA, and more than 20 years of industry experience. In her most recent role with Bayer Material Science, she led a polyurethane and thermoplastic urethane business with more than 850 employees and sales of more than USD 1 billion. She has also held various Vice President and management roles during her tenure with the company.

“I am delighted to be a part of Connell Brothers and look forward to working with the accomplished teams and country managers to build on the company’s more than 100 years of success,” Owlia said. “I believe our combined competencies will further enhance our relationships and presence across North Asia, and will continue to provide Connell Brothers’ valued customers and suppliers with high-quality services and technical capabilities.”

Bayer promotes polyurethane's green side
8 September 2011
Plastics News

SHANGHAI (Sept. 8, 2 p.m. ET) — At the UTECH Asia/ PU China show, Bayer MaterialScience AG showcased the many uses of its polyurethanes with a solar-powered plane — a prototype meant less for its practical implementation and more for the point it proves.

“If we can make a plane that flies day and night on solar energy, why can't we do that in our daily life?” asked Azita Owlia, senior vice president, Asia Pacific at BMS.

Bayer is making a push into the region with a string of China-based investments announced in December 2010, marketing its PU as an environmentally friendly alternative to heavier materials. In addition to a $161 million investment in downstream facilities and polycarbonate capacity, the company announced plans to expand capacity in MDI and to open a polyurethanes system house in Qingdao.

In addition to a PU plant in Qingdao, Bayer will soon be opening the doors of a toluene diisocyanate (TDI) plant in Shanghai. The TDI plant will employ a new gas phase phosgenation technology to help reduce solvent consumption, save energy and reduce operating costs, enabling Bayer to compete with domestic Chinese companies on cost.

“While we are confident of sustainable long-term market growth, we do see rising pressure because of rising raw materials prices. This will impact all the players in the PU market,” said Joachin Wolff, the head of BMS's polyurethanes business unit.

This pressure, Wolff expects, will lead to consolidation in a saturated market.

“Our strategy is not about adding more capacity, it's about keeping competitive by constantly updating our technology,” Wolff said.

The TDI plant was successfully tested in July and will be brought online stepwise later this year, reaching its full capacity of 250,000 metric tons of TDI per year in 2012.

While Wolff expects much of their new capacity to go into applications like flexible mattresses and automotive seating, Bayer is also focusing on new, sustainable, applications for its PU line. At the UTECH show, the company also featured their efforts to develop a line of polyurethane nanofoams, a material that could greatly improve insulation in the future.

As part of this, the company is working on microemulsions to form polyurethane rigid foams, materials that would reduce the pore size in PU foams to under 150 nanometers, improving insulation and reducing the energy consumption of appliances. The foams could also be used to make the walls of appliances thinner.

These applications, said Owlia, help to make Bayer's materials relevant and useful across a range of sectors.

“China faces significant challenges in the future,” she said. “We want to help meet these challenges.”

Bayer breaks ground for Qingdao plant
26 May 2011
China Daily

Bayer AG broke ground for a new polyurethane plant in Qingdao on Tuesday, underscoring the commitment of the German pharmaceutical and chemical producer and its local partners to China's sustained development of the building industry.

The polyurethane project, located in Qingdao's Economic and Development Zone, will involve a total investment of between 200 million yuan ($30.75 million) and 250 million yuan.

The project is part of Bayer's plan to invest 110 million euros ($155 million) by 2012 to build five downstream facilities in China.

Polyurethane - commonly used for flexible foams in upholstery, mattresses and earplugs, as well as chemical-resistant coatings and packaging - is an organic material increasingly being applied as an insulation on the outside of buildings.

According to Azita Owlia, senior vice-president of Bayer MaterialScience's polyurethane unit in the Asia-Pacific region, buildings are responsible for 40 percent of energy consumption and almost one-third of greenhouse-gas emissions worldwide.

"With China's construction expenditure rising at 9.1 percent annually through 2014, sustainability is our business model, and we are committed to helping shape China's environmental future," Owlia told China Daily.

She said that the saving potential in the building sector is huge and necessary, considering the high standards set in the country's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"We have a very large portfolio, anywhere from rural development to urbanization, and from footwear to Apple Inc iPads," she added.

The 1,000-square-meter office complex at the Qingdao polyurethane plant will have a number of environmentally friendly features such as solar energy, geothermal systems and LED lighting to reduce energy use, and water-recycling capability.

Michael Voigt, head of Bayer MaterialScience's eco-commercial building unit in China, said the Qingdao building will be the fifth such structure developed by Bayer globally and its first in China.

As the world's largest construction material manufacturer and consumer, China has a large potential for saving energy in construction, Voigt said.

The Qingdao plant, scheduled to start production in 2012, will serve customers in diverse industries including automotive, construction, furniture and thermoplastic polyurethane. It will have state-of-the-art production equipment.

"There is significant manufacturing activity in northern China, and the new plant will provide greater proximity to our customers. It will also enable us to meet the strong growing demand for polyurethane in China, which is expected to grow between 7 percent and 10 percent on a yearly basis until 2014," Owlia said.

Bayer's five downstream plants include three polyurethane plants, a new polycarbonate sheet facility and a polycarbonate color compounding and design center.

The three new plants will be located in Shanghai, Qingdao and Chongqing.

The polycarbonate color compounding and design facility is in Chongqing and the polycarbonate sheet plant will be established at Guangzhou.

China has become Bayer's largest single market in the Asia-Pacific region by sales. Bayer China achieved 2.9 billion euros of sales in 2010, to which Bayer MaterialScience contributed 1.8 billion euros.

Bayer MaterialScience exhibits at PU China 2010
26 May 2010
Scbeta

Bayer MaterialScience, a global chemical company, will highlight sustainable construction and lightweight mobility solutions at PU China 2010, on May 26-28 in Shenzhen, China.

One of Bayer MaterialScience's key PU China 2010 displays is the Eco Model House, which demonstrates how BMS materials can significantly improve the energy efficiency of buildings, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Integrated solutions for the construction industry range from floor and wall insulation to window encapsulation and solar roof panels. Technology from Bayer MaterialScience enables larger, stronger and thinner wall panels using fewer materials. This allows the manufacture of lighter profiles that are strong enough to be used in large frames, including curtain walls. All these innovations are cost-effective, durable and environmentally friendly, making these technologies easily applicable. In addition, the company is cooperating closely with the CABR (China Academy for Building Research), the top research authority for construction in China, in developing a new polyurethane, fire-resistant insulation system for curtain walls.

The Eco Model House also demonstrates BayerMaterialScience's polyurethane solutions for enabling lighter, stronger and more energy efficient materials, ranging from the thermal insulation used in water piping to the light absorbent properties for films used for solar energy panels.

Buildings are responsible for more than 40% of global energy use and one third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Bayer estimates also indicate that for every kilogram of polyurethane used in construction, as much as 755 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions could be saved over the average lifespan of a building. "Bayer MaterialScience's innovations in sustainable construction technologies clearly have a positive impact on improving the quality of life, as well as the environment," commented Dr. Azita Owlia, Senior Vice President Polyurethanes, Bayer MaterialScience Asia Pacific.

In the transportation industry, the trend towards lighter vehicles is equivalent to having more fuel-efficient vehicles. "At Bayer MaterialScience's PU China 2010 booth, we are showcasing how polyurethanes increase fuel efficiency and comfort to ease travelling," said Dr. Owlia, "For example, with polyurethane composites, automotive manufacturers can reduce the weight of a car body parts by 30-40% compared to reinforced glass fiber alternatives, enabling cars to be significantly more fuel-efficient. Such advanced polyurethane composites replace wood and particle boards in emergency vehicles, trucks and recreational vehicles. In addition, seats made from polyurethanes further contribute to weight reduction as well as providing high levels of comfort. Bayer estimates that for every kilogram of polyurethane used in the automotive industry, the equivalent of 6-12 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions will be saved over the entire lifespan of the car."


Bayer aims to color the view of designers
2 September 2002
Plastics News

Bayer Corp. wants to use the magic of Fantasia to change the way processors think about the firm's plastics product line.

Fantasia is a line of five color and special-effect technologies aimed at helping designers make full use of Bayer's line of engineering resins, including polycarbonate, ABS and related blends.

The Fantasia line will be unveiled at a Sept. 4 gathering in New York. More than 150 designers - representing such firms as Polo Ralph Lauren and Nautica - are scheduled to attend.

``We want people to think of us first when it comes to design options,'' Bayer plastics consumer markets marketing manager John Skabardonis said Aug. 21 at Bayer Corp. headquarters in Pittsburgh.

Fantasia's fantastic five are:

* Aura, a color-infusion technology that uses what Bayer officials call the ``Easter egg method.''

With Aura, molded parts are dipped into a colored liquid mix then removed and dried. The process calls for the installation of machinery for the process of dipping and drying, but it spares processors from having to keep dozens of different-colored materials in stock.

Processors also are able to create their own colors by mixing Bayer dyes with its patented liquid mix. The liquid allows color to penetrate parts to depths of 3-5 millimeters, said plastics industry manager Robert Pyles. In true Easter egg fashion, processors will be able to adjust part color by altering the amount of time parts are immersed in the liquid, Pyles said.

``Aura offers simplicity and inventory reduction,'' said plastics consumer market Vice President Azita Owlia. ``It's necessary because of the fast life cycles of these products. In information technology, colors change season by season.''

The Aura system also eliminates downtime created by processors taking down and cleaning their machines when switching colors. Drying cycles for dipped products can range from 30 seconds to five minutes.

The system works particularly well with small batches, such as information-technology products, officials said.

``Designers can have a ball with this,'' Owlia added. ``The flexibility and possibilities are enormous. There are a lot of color design applications that haven't been tried because of the per-unit cost of traditional color.''

* Leda, a series of effects created for Bayer's pre-colored compounds, including edge-glow, metallic, translucent and fluorescent.

* Imagio, a line of coatings developed in conjunction with PPG Industries Inc. for color-spraying molded parts. The coatings can produce varying levels of glossiness. They're expected to find use in products like cellular phones, computer monitors and workstations.

* Faria, a line of PC-based film inserts.

Bayer is pulling out all the stops to impress designers in that area, culminating in products that can have a mirror finish on one side while allowing light to pass through and back-light multicolored images on the flip side. The images also can be viewed to varying extents from different angles on the mirrored side. The mirrored finish is a first for film insert molding, Bayer officials claim.

Other effects allow the film to incorporate fibers that match the tactile feel of denim or velvet.

* Milena, a series of colors for optical-media products like compact discs and digital versatile discs.

Dry color is inserted at the feed-through point, allowing for more precise color control. It's also a time-saver, officials said.

``The [optical-media] industry has been having problems with replicators changing colors and purging their entire systems,'' Skabardonis said. ``It takes a lot of time, but they have to do it because of the possibility of contamination.'' Bayer began testing the Fantasia line several months ago with a dozen beta customers.

In addition to the New York event, Bayer plans to host seminars with design professionals around the country well into 2003.

Monty Lawton, co-owner of In House Furniture, a Los Angeles designer and manufacturer, was won over by the Fantasia approach when his firm was designing a cafe chair, complete with a back slot to hold a menu.

Lawton and partner Mark Zuckerman hatched the idea in 1999, with the prototype chair winning a design award from a furniture industry trade magazine. They showed the chair at the Chicago Design Show in 2000, but ran into some roadblocks when they wanted to move into commercial production.

``We went to some Italian manufacturers because we were told we would have problems making [the chair] in the U.S., but then they had problems with it, so we came back to the U.S.,'' Lawton said in a recent telephone interview. ``We figured early on that we wanted polycarbonate because it was a hard, durable engineering plastic. It was just a matter of making it work.''

In House then met with toolmaker Douglas Archibald, who helped design Apple's iMac computer, before meeting with Bayer's sales staff to select a material.

``With Fantasia, Bayer seemed to really have a handle on how designers think,'' Lawton said. ``The way they presented [Fantasia] really gets you thinking and helps lead to creative ideas. Design is all about practicality and meaning, and Bayer understood that.''

After choosing several colors and grades from Fantasia's Aura and Leda groups, commercial production of the In House chair - with a translucent PC seat and back on a metal frame - began last month. The product is being produced by A&S Mold & Die of Los Angeles, which also designed the molds.

The chair is available at furniture boutiques across the country and in a major furniture mail-order catalog, Lawton said.

Fantasia's reach into consumer products eventually could range from lighting to furniture to small appliances. Even sunglasses and automotive uses like lighting, trunk releases and other safety features could be enhanced, officials said.

Interest in breaking through design barriers hasn't waned as the global economy has moved into an uncertain period, officials said.

``It's true that some information-technology people have been destroyed by the economy, but all the design firms are focused on what's coming next,'' Skabardonis said. ``They want the next `wow' effect. They're not saying they have to keep it simple because of the economy.''

The Fantasia project has called for the cooperation of various Bayer units - not only those that make PC, ABS, PC/ABS and thermoplastic polyurethane resins, but also coatings and film. Bayer even can provide machinery needed to set up an Easter egg operation for the Aura product.

Bayer's main color-compounding operation is in Hebron, Ohio, but the firm also does some of that work in Baytown, Texas, and Addyston, Ohio. Its PC film production site is in Berlin, Conn.

If it lives up to Bayer's expectations, Fantasia could help reverse a trend that saw the North American unit lose $138 million in the first half as sales dropped 8.5 percent to $4.4 billion, compared with the same period in 2001. Globally, Bayer Corp. brought in about 31 percent of first-half sales for parent Bayer AG of Leverkeusen, Germany.

Interview: Did not allow of copy-paste:
https://www.adsalecprj.com/Publicity/Interview/lang-eng/article-429/Printing.aspx

Additional Press Link:
https://chemistry.uconn.edu/2012/03/#

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Connell delivers innovative products to customers with Geltor distribution agreement
4 November 2019
Markets Insider

100% animal-free collagen to revolutionize evolving international beauty markets

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell, a Wilbur-Ellis company and a leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announced today it is the exclusive distributor for Geltor, a biodesign company developing high-value designer proteins, starting with collagen. Its proteins are 100% animal- and GMO-free and are cultivated using a sustainable fermentation process. Geltor is headquartered in San Leandro, California.

By partnering with the most innovative companies, Connell gives its customers a creative edge in new product development to help them drive market share and growth. Connell’s comprehensive pipeline of breakthrough products, technical and supply chain solutions offers a superior customer experience and opportunities for collaborative innovation. With this distribution agreement, Connell introduces technology that will revolutionize the personal care market in Asia-Pacific.

Because it is produced using a clean fermentation process with no animal inputs, Geltor’s line of natural and premium collagens are the purest available on the market. Used in skin care formulations, it creates biocompatibility with human skin, while being produced both more sustainably and ethically than animal-sourced collagens. These versatile ingredients can be used in new ways to meet evolving customer needs, as in making halal products for the growing Muslim beauty market. Geltor received an enthusiastic reception at recent trade shows in Asia where consumers immediately recognized the superior quality of its product.

“I am deeply impressed with Geltor’s approach to innovation,” said Azita Owlia, president and CEO of Connell. “It’s intensely focused on solving customer problems, just like we do at Connell. We hold ourselves responsible for bringing our customers the latest innovations to help them meet the needs of their own customers. These days, sustainability is a top priority for consumers. Alliances with companies like Geltor help our customers stay on top of their game.”

“Geltor is thrilled to be partnering with a world-class distribution partner of Connell’s caliber,” said Alexander Lorestani, CEO and co-founder of Geltor. “The team’s uncompromising commitment to excellence in all they do has been palpable from the start of our relationship. It’s an honor to be working with Connell to bring the benefits of Geltor’s ingredients to customers across the Asia-Pacific region.”

The agreement is expected to take effect immediately.





























Connell expands food offerings with acquisition of Inno-Cosmic, Nation Maple in Malaysia
24 September 2019
PR Newswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell, a Wilbur-Ellis company and a leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announces today the acquisition of the assets of Inno-Cosmic and Nation Maple, leading distributors of instant beverage raw materials in Malaysia.

Inno-Cosmic and Nation Maple have an extensive commercial network across Malaysia and longstanding relationships with customers in the instant beverage industry. Since 1998, Inno-Cosmic has been the exclusive distributor for a prestigious creamers and foamers supplier, a partnership that has made Inno-Cosmic the leading distributor in Malaysia’s three-in-one hot beverage industry. The Company is also leading innovative solutions in the fast-growing plant-based dairy alternative drinks market.

“Combining Inno-Cosmic’s longstanding local presence and expertise with Connell’s far-reaching, international network will broaden our offerings to our customers and market,” said Connell’s President and CEO Dr. Azita Owlia. She added that “with this acquisition, Connell continues to show its commitment to our customers that are seeking premium brands and expertise.”

“The acquisition of Inno-Cosmic will increase Connell’s presence in the fast-growing hot beverage segment in Malaysia,” said KK Chee, regional director of Connell. “Combined with our track record in value creation in the food and nutrition market, we can offer an enhanced portfolio to deliver innovative solutions to our customers.”

“We greatly admire Connell’s premier position in the food and nutrition and pharmaceutical segments, which we strongly believe will bring significant benefits to our long-term customers, international suppliers and partners,” said Inno-Cosmic’s Managing Director Loh Kok Wai. “By leveraging Connell’s wide market coverage in these segments in Malaysia, coupled with its high technical competency, commitment to customer service, vast resources and capabilities, we can provide a solid business platform to drive and grow our current business to greater heights.”

The acquisition of Inno-Cosmic’s and Nation Maple’s assets by Connell takes effect immediately.


































Connell broadens offering to its Life Science customers with the acquisition of Ingredient Resources
15 May 2019
P&T Community

SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell, a Wilbur-Ellis company and a leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announces today the acquisition of Ingredient Resources Pty Limited, a supplier and distributor of innovative, valued-added ingredients in Australia and New Zealand. Ingredient Resources supplies numerous first-class manufacturers in the food and beverage, confectionery, flavor and fragrance, cosmetic, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

With this acquisition, Connell expands its ability to offer its customers state-of-the-art solutions with Ingredient Resources' highly specialized product range and innovative ingredients, benefitting its customers far beyond Australia and New Zealand. This acquisition enhances Connell's formulation advice and technical support to create unique offerings for its customers and end users.

“This acquisition represents a unique opportunity for us to further solidify our relationships with our customers through expanded ingredients offerings that can help them with new product development,” said Connell President and CEO, Dr. Azita Owlia. She added that Ingredient Resources will bring new long-term relationships with international ingredient suppliers that are at the forefront of ingredient technology.

Connell will reaffirm its premier position in the life science space with this acquisition. “Acquiring the Ingredient Resources business, with its exclusive partnerships with world-class supply partners, is very exciting,” said Connell Australasia General Manager Graham Brown. “I'm excited to work closely with Ingredient Resources' Founder and CEO Dennis Chesser who brings extensive expertise and market knowledge. This acquisition strengthens our market position in the food, nutrition and nutraceuticals markets, while reinforcing our commitment to the Australasian market.”

“Joining Connell brings greater financial stability to grow the “value-added” ingredient business, ably supported by our international supply partners,” shared Ingredient Resources Founder and CEO Dennis Chesser. “We are proud to join Connell, a strong and dynamic organization with a 120-year history of continuous growth in the Asia-Pacific region.”











































Connell Bros. Changes Name, Introduces New CEO Role
1 February 2019
PR Newswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Connell Bros. Co. LLC, a company of Wilbur-Ellis and the leading marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announced a strategic rebranding of the company under the new name, “Connell.”

“The name change to Connell honors the two brothers who founded the Company in 1898 and celebrates today’s 1200 team members across Asia-Pacific and the United States,” said Dr. Azita Owlia, president and new CEO of Connell. The rebranding reflects the Company’s continued evolution through developing a strong and consistent platform across Asia-Pacific, with focus on deepening creativity, innovation and service. Its redesigned logo symbolizes its inclusive and high energy culture.

Owlia’s appointment to president and CEO recognizes the strong strategic leadership and direction that she brings to the Company. She has pushed a company-wide, multiyear effort to build an innovative platform geared towards exceptional customer experience. Prior to joining Connell, Dr. Owlia served as a senior vice president at Bayer MaterialScience, currently known as Covestro. Owlia, based in San Francisco and Hong Kong, joined the Company in 2011 as vice president of North Asia.

“Azita has a proven track record of leading global companies through strategic change by focusing on integrity and shared values,” said Wilbur-Ellis President and CEO John Buckley. “Her ability to grow specialty businesses is just one of the reasons I’m so confident in her abilities. I am honored and proud to have Dr. Owlia at the helm in this moment of evolution. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to innovate for our employees, suppliers and customers.”

Connell Brothers Expands Manufacturing Capability In Asia With Acquisition Of Axxone International
25 October 2017
IT Times

SINGAPORE, Oct. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ Korea IT Times-- Connell Bros. Co. LLC (CBC), a division of Wilbur-Ellis and the largest marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, has acquired the assets of Axxone International Pte Ltd., a chemical manufacturing and distribution company with headquarters located in Singapore. Axxone's assets have been acquired by CBC's subsidiary, Core Ingredients Pte Ltd., which will continue to operate the business.

"We are very pleased that Axxone has become part of a global organization that has an extensive regional coatings research capability and all the essential technical competency for coatings development," said Axxone Co-Founder Vincent Lee. "Connecting with CBC's regional network of 18 countries throughout Asia Pacific, we are now well placed to provide even more value-added services to our clients in this region. Our search for such a partner organization has taken three years and CBC fits our needs perfectly."

Alongside over 25 technical centers and almost 50 offices Asia-wide, this new addition to the CBC portfolio is in-line with plans to broaden offerings and capabilities of blended formulations for specific applications. The new regional technical center being set up in Singapore will enhance services offered by CBC's existing regional technical center in Jakarta, Indonesia.

"CBC drives value through higher expertise by leveraging our capabilities for customers and suppliers," said CBC President Azita Owlia. "By adding Axxone's business to our portfolio, we are strengthening our platform, resulting in faster go to market for new innovations."

Core Ingredients Pte Ltd. will be the focus of CBC's formulated product growth across Asia Pacific.















Asia distributor Connell Brothers fights for growth through services
17 July 2017
ICIS

BARCELONA (ICIS)--Asia-focused chemicals distributor Connell Brothers is forging ahead with a strategy of offering enhanced technical support to customers as it seeks to drive growth in a tough business environment.

For Azita Owlia, president of Connell Brothers since January 2016, investing in staff development for technical skills is at the core of the strategy. “Our entire focus is on our people…this is how we drive value through higher expertise. We want to leverage our capabilities for customers and suppliers.”

Owlia is responding to the trend for consolidation amongst suppliers and customers which has led to suppliers taking their tier-one customers direct, leaving distributors to look at lower-tier customers.

“These customers generally have the need for different expertise. They have technical problems to solve or may have new launches where they need help,” she said.

Being a pure marketing distributor means customers see Connell as a partner and are happy to reveal their formulations, and for the company’s technicians to offer their expertise.

“This is not entirely a brand new strategy but we are putting in a lot more resources. As well as this, collaborating and sharing knowledge within the company is having a multiplier effect,” says Owlia.

She points out that suppliers are consolidating and the big distributors are all publicly owned and so are focussed on quarterly financial results. “We not only drive the business financially but have the commitment to take the time to think longer-term and focus on our people.”

M&A strategy
Apart from organic growth, Connell also seeks opportunities for mergers & acquisitions (M&A), but buying distributors can be a complex process and is not always successful.

Owlia said, “We are always looking for good acquisitions but it is not so simple - some private equity-owned companies try to make multiple acquisitions which are not always successful.”

Integrating acquisitions without losing their expertise and contacts is hazardous, especially as often disposals are driven by the desire of the vendor to retire. For any target there must be a good plan for the transfer of knowledge and experience. Owlia has a strong M&A list and hopes to do more this year.

Connell Brothers acquired Mascot in 2016, the largest personal care distributor in India. According to Owlia the integration process has been smooth and there has been significant learning from the acquisition’s expertise across Connell’s entire personal care platform.

Areas of focus
Connell Brothers has two types of businesses with different dynamics – Industrial Solutions including coatings and inks, plastics and rubber and Life Sciences with food ingredients, nutraceuticals, pharma plus personal and home care.

Owlia is keeping the focus on these core areas through acquistions but also by disposing of elements which no longer fit. This includes some refrigerants which were already restricted in Europe and the US but are still being used in Asia.

“This year we may make disposals in our industrial business in areas I don’t believe we have the mass or where it does not make sense to increase resources.”

Owlia sees more activities and interests by various players in the food and nutrition, personal care and pharmaceuticals segments which can harness the changing demands of Asia’s young, increasingly affluent and ageing society. She forecasts that their growth will be above GDP because as people become more wealthy they care more about their looks and wellbeing.

The industrial business is seeing the impact of increasing environmental awareness, for example solvents are being substituted for water-based ingredients in coatings. Growth is forecast to track GDP whereas the life sciences business is forecast to increase at a couple of percentage points above GDP.

“We use our expertise to connect with suppliers to build partnerships and increase understanding of customer trends,” says Owlia.

Financial outlook
Connell Brothers expects to achieve double-digit sales growth each year for the next three years and is on target and meeting expectations for 2017. In general the distribution market is growing faster than suppliers, partly because suppliers are so large. Margins are a significant challenge for suppliers and distributors in Asia, she says.

“The market is crowded and a lot of products have commoditised even in food, personal care and coatings. Everyone’s margins have been squeezed. We must look at value-creation and making yourself more relevant.”

So far this year the first quarter was very strong then April was weaker which Owlia attributes to some capacity constraints amongst suppliers in several product lines. Prices were increasing which encouraged a lot of pre-buying. She describes the second quarter as “OK but not stellar”. For the full years she expects similar sales growth to 2016.

For 2016 sales were flat compared to 2015 at $800m. This is because the company disposed of some businesses and instead grew in other areas which brought similar numbers at year-end.

“Demand is solid and the industrial business continues to grow in line with GDP at 4.1-4.2% across Asia. Southeast Asia is growing at over 6%. North Asia and the Pacific are flat whilst Japan is growing around 0.5-1%.”

China challenge
In common with most in the chemical industry, Owlia concedes that China is a tough market in which to do business. There is intense competition and complicated in terms of geography, behaviours, and a level of sophistication which is vastly different from one area to another.

“China is our largest business in the region but I’m not yet satisfied with our presence there – we could do a lot more,” she says.

The regulatory and approvals framework is always changing. There are “official” and “unofficial” regulations so ensuring transparency there is difficult. Demand is very varied as well as ways of doing business.

There are no plans to globalise Connell Brothers Owlia believes the company needs to stay within its core competencies.

“It’s a super-dynamic and challenging time in the world. In this difficult environment it’s good to stop and think about the challenges. We need to think about reinventing business models as we can’t take the past as a guide for the future,” she says.



Connell Brothers Names New President
20 January 2016
Asia Food Journal

Connell Brothers, a marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, has named Azita Owlia president of Connell Brothers, a Wilbur-Ellis company. Owlia was promoted from vice president to president upon Ted Eliot’s retirement at the end of 2015.

Connell Brothers, a marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, has named Azita Owlia president of Connell Brothers, a Wilbur-Ellis company. Owlia was promoted from vice president to president upon Ted Eliot’s retirement at the end of 2015.

During Owlia’s tenure as vice president of North Asia, she developed and implemented a multi-year growth strategy for the region. This included both a new structure for business development efforts to accelerate new sales, as well as a refocusing on core strategic segments. In her new role, Owlia will spearhead the next phase of growth for Connell Brothers throughout Asia-Pacific and across all segments, including coatings & ink, construction, food ingredients & nutrition, personal & home care, pharma ingredients and plastics. She will also manage Connell Brothers’ supply chain operations and continue to build on its industry leading reputation for quality and safety.

“Azita has demonstrated strong leadership and a passion to build a dynamic business; this, coupled with her intimate knowledge of our industry, partners, and the region, makes her an inspiring leader,” said John Thacher, president and chief executive officer of Wilbur-Ellis. “Connell Brothers provides innovative technological solutions, supply chain and logistics management, regulatory expertise, and most importantly, always conducts business with integrity. I’m confident Azita will continue this mission.”
Owlia joined Connell Brothers in 2011 as vice president of North Asia. She previously had a very successful 22-year career with Bayer MaterialScience (now known as Covestro), most recently serving as senior vice president, Asia-Pacific, Polyurethane Group.

Connell Brothers and FMC Expand Cooperation to Taiwan
1 July 2015
APN News

Connell Brothers (CBC), the largest specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor in Connell BrothersAsia-Pacific, announces today that they have been appointed to represent FMC in the Taiwan market for FMC’s food ingredient business starting August 8, 2015.

In this new cooperation, CBC’s Food & Nutrition team will market FMC’s high quality products for the food industry, including the world leading Avicel(R) family of Cellulose/Cellulose Gel as well as FMC extensive Natural Color series and naturally derived hydrocolloids.

“We have been expanding our partnership with FMC in Food and Nutrition as well as Pharmaceutical markets in Asia,” commented Azita Owlia, vice president, North Asia, CBC. “Our aim is to always provide our customers with the world leading ingredients and technical expertise that can help give them an edge in their market.”

“CBC has been a strategic partner to our FMC Health & Nutrition business in many countries around the world for many years,” said Stewart Campbell, Regional Commercial Director Asia Pacific. “Based on their extensive knowledge and network in the global food industry and their strong local presence in Taiwan, we are confident Connell Brothers will provide a very high level of support and service to our customers.”

Connell Brothers Expands China Presence with Acquisition of Personal and Home Care Distribution Company's Operations
3 November 2014
JCN Newswire

Acquisition Solidifies Company's Commitment to Personal and Home Care Markets in Asia-Pacific

HONG KONG, Nov, 03 2014 - (ACN Newswire) - Connell Brothers (CBC), the largest marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients in Asia-Pacific, announced today that it has acquired the operations of Bioworld Fine Chemical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a distribution company dedicated to personal and home care ingredients in China, with rich experiences and knowledge in marketing high end botanical oils and plant extracts.

The new addition is expected to increase CBC's penetration in the skincare, hair care, color cosmetics as well as household care markets, by complementing the current product portfolio of CBC.

"We are committed to the personal care industry in Asia-Pacific and continue to seek ways to expand our capabilities. Recent investments in personnel and expansion of technical capabilities in the region, along with the representation of leading suppliers in their applications, provide our customers a superior platform to grow their businesses. The acquisition of Bioworld further expands our network and capabilities in this market," said Azita Owlia, vice president, CBC North Asia and Sponsor of CBC Personal & Home Care industries. "This is an exciting time for us, as we welcome our new customers, employees and suppliers to this platform."

Ralf Busch, general manager of CBC China, said, "Further expansion of our platform through Bioworld in Central and Southern China, coupled with the opening of a brand new technical center in Shanghai in early 2015 continue to enhance our presence in China."

"To be a part of a global company such as CBC, with extensive offerings and presence, ensures more efficient service to our partners and opportunities for our employees," said Jimmy Ren, managing director, Bioworld. "Most importantly, our new organization is now more equipped with the resources and capabilities to drive growth for our partners as we navigate the increasingly complex business environment in China."

The major products currently represented by Bioworld include high quality botanical oils and plant extracts by Distierias Munoz Galvez, S.A, the Lebermuth Company, Inc., Kumar Organic Products and Kingvish Kompany.

Connell Brothers Taiwan Awarded Exclusive Distribution Contract for Pharmaceutical Products by Ashland Specialty Ingredients
29 April 2014
Intellasia

Connell Brothers (CBC) announced today that it will represent the full portfolio of Ashland Specialty Ingredients, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (nysh:ASH) in the pharmaceutical market in Taiwan, which will significantly broaden the excipients product portfolio at CBC in Taiwan and across North Asia. CBC is the largest distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific.

The products include Plasdone(TM) Povidone, Polyplasdone(TM) Cospovidone and Cavatron(TM) and Cavasol Cyclodextrin derivatives, in addition to the cellulosics CBC has been distributing for many years. These products are compliant with regulatory guidelines in major markets around the world.

CBC continues to partner with leading chemical manufacturers to bring to market the best and most advanced products that will address Taiwan’s stronger focus on regulatory and quality standards.

“Ashland has been a long-term partner of CBC all across Asia-Pacific, and I am excited to expand our relationship with Ashland. We are expanding our operation to better position ourselves in the pharmaceutical market in Taiwan,” said Azita Owlia, vice president, North Asia. “Ashland Specialty Ingredients’ superior excipient products considerably extend and strengthen CBC’s product portfolio in the pharmaceutical industry here.”

“For more than 60 years, Ashland Specialty Ingredients has been a leading partner to the pharmaceutical industry for the commercialisation of compounds that promote human health. Ashland’s talented scientists are at work in technical centers around the world supporting virtually every phase of the drug commercialisation process,” said William Zhao, commercial director, Greater China, Ashland Specialty Ingredients. “With CBC’s strong distribution network, we are committed to providing quality products and reliable customer support to the Taiwan market.”






Lehigh to market rubber powders in Asia
25 March 2014
Tire Business

ATLANTA (March 25, 2014) — Lehigh Technologies Inc., the Atlanta-based manufacturer of “micronized” rubber powders (MRP) from recycled rubber, plans to begin marketing PolyDyne MRP in Japan and South Korea through Connell Brothers Co. Ltd., a San Francisco-based distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in the Asia Pacific region.

Having had initial success in Japan, Lehigh and Connell Brothers said they will focus on broadening industry outreach, supply chain efficiency and technical support there, as well as on introducing PolyDyne MRP to South Korea and Southeast Asia.

Having had initial success in Japan, Lehigh and Connell Brothers said they will focus on broadening industry outreach, supply chain efficiency and technical support there, as well as on introducing PolyDyne MRP to Korea and Southeast Asia.

“The Japanese tire and rubber industries have always shown clear demand for specialty materials that offer cost and environmental benefits,” said Azita Owlia, Connell Brothers vice president for North Asia, about Lehigh's products.

Lehigh's PolyDyne MRP meet the Japanese industry's stringent standards for performance, quality and safety as well as cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness, according to Mr. Owlia.











Connell Brothers Opens New Technical & Training Center in Guangzhou, Shanghai
30 August 2013
APN News

Shanghai : Connell Brothers, a division of Wilbur-Ellis Company, and the largest marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and industrial ingredients in Asia-Pacific, formally opened a Technical & Training Center in Guangzhou, China on August 30. The center will support the commercial and technical needs of Connell Brothers’ customers in coatings and ink, food, and personal care, in the South China market. The facility will offer innovative solutions for their customers’ market needs by offering application development, formulations and testing, together with hands-on lab and classroom training for customers, suppliers and employees.

“This important investment is one of several planned across the region in line with our growth strategy”, said Azita Owlia, vice president of North Asia. “We have an aggressive investment plan geared to ensure comprehensive market reach throughout North Asia for the specialty chemicals markets we serve.”

Connell Brothers also recently opened a newly expanded office in the Republic of Korea including an application laboratory specific for the personal care segment. This facility will host the expanded team in Korea, and further enhance the company’s technical support for their customers, suppliers and employees.

Connell Brothers appoints Azita Owlia as Vice President in North Asia
30 November 2011
K-Online

According to the company, the newly created position of Vice President, North Asia, reflects the growth of Connell Brothers’ business during the past decade. North Asia now represents a significant share of the company’s overall sales revenue. Azita Owlia, who will be based in Hong Kong, will support and strengthen the company’s business platform in the region.

“As we continue to grow our business and services for customers and suppliers, North Asia, under Owlia’s leadership, will be a key focus area for the company,” said Ted Eliot, president of Connell Brothers. “Owlia will play a critical role in identifying and promoting new opportunities and will develop a strategic direction for each country and market segment. With her successful track record of building dynamic multinational teams, implementing long-term strategies and developing innovative market solutions, we are confident that she will further advance our market position in the region.”

Owlia has a Ph.D. in Chemistry, an MBA, and more than 20 years of industry experience. In her most recent role with Bayer Material Science, she led a polyurethane and thermoplastic urethane business with more than 850 employees and sales of more than USD 1 billion. She has also held various Vice President and management roles during her tenure with the company.

“I am delighted to be a part of Connell Brothers and look forward to working with the accomplished teams and country managers to build on the company’s more than 100 years of success,” Owlia said. “I believe our combined competencies will further enhance our relationships and presence across North Asia, and will continue to provide Connell Brothers’ valued customers and suppliers with high-quality services and technical capabilities.”

Bayer promotes polyurethane's green side
8 September 2011
Plastics News

SHANGHAI (Sept. 8, 2 p.m. ET) — At the UTECH Asia/ PU China show, Bayer MaterialScience AG showcased the many uses of its polyurethanes with a solar-powered plane — a prototype meant less for its practical implementation and more for the point it proves.

“If we can make a plane that flies day and night on solar energy, why can't we do that in our daily life?” asked Azita Owlia, senior vice president, Asia Pacific at BMS.

Bayer is making a push into the region with a string of China-based investments announced in December 2010, marketing its PU as an environmentally friendly alternative to heavier materials. In addition to a $161 million investment in downstream facilities and polycarbonate capacity, the company announced plans to expand capacity in MDI and to open a polyurethanes system house in Qingdao.

In addition to a PU plant in Qingdao, Bayer will soon be opening the doors of a toluene diisocyanate (TDI) plant in Shanghai. The TDI plant will employ a new gas phase phosgenation technology to help reduce solvent consumption, save energy and reduce operating costs, enabling Bayer to compete with domestic Chinese companies on cost.

“While we are confident of sustainable long-term market growth, we do see rising pressure because of rising raw materials prices. This will impact all the players in the PU market,” said Joachin Wolff, the head of BMS's polyurethanes business unit.

This pressure, Wolff expects, will lead to consolidation in a saturated market.

“Our strategy is not about adding more capacity, it's about keeping competitive by constantly updating our technology,” Wolff said.

The TDI plant was successfully tested in July and will be brought online stepwise later this year, reaching its full capacity of 250,000 metric tons of TDI per year in 2012.

While Wolff expects much of their new capacity to go into applications like flexible mattresses and automotive seating, Bayer is also focusing on new, sustainable, applications for its PU line. At the UTECH show, the company also featured their efforts to develop a line of polyurethane nanofoams, a material that could greatly improve insulation in the future.

As part of this, the company is working on microemulsions to form polyurethane rigid foams, materials that would reduce the pore size in PU foams to under 150 nanometers, improving insulation and reducing the energy consumption of appliances. The foams could also be used to make the walls of appliances thinner.

These applications, said Owlia, help to make Bayer's materials relevant and useful across a range of sectors.

“China faces significant challenges in the future,” she said. “We want to help meet these challenges.”

Bayer breaks ground for Qingdao plant
26 May 2011
China Daily

Bayer AG broke ground for a new polyurethane plant in Qingdao on Tuesday, underscoring the commitment of the German pharmaceutical and chemical producer and its local partners to China's sustained development of the building industry.

The polyurethane project, located in Qingdao's Economic and Development Zone, will involve a total investment of between 200 million yuan ($30.75 million) and 250 million yuan.

The project is part of Bayer's plan to invest 110 million euros ($155 million) by 2012 to build five downstream facilities in China.

Polyurethane - commonly used for flexible foams in upholstery, mattresses and earplugs, as well as chemical-resistant coatings and packaging - is an organic material increasingly being applied as an insulation on the outside of buildings.

According to Azita Owlia, senior vice-president of Bayer MaterialScience's polyurethane unit in the Asia-Pacific region, buildings are responsible for 40 percent of energy consumption and almost one-third of greenhouse-gas emissions worldwide.

"With China's construction expenditure rising at 9.1 percent annually through 2014, sustainability is our business model, and we are committed to helping shape China's environmental future," Owlia told China Daily.

She said that the saving potential in the building sector is huge and necessary, considering the high standards set in the country's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"We have a very large portfolio, anywhere from rural development to urbanization, and from footwear to Apple Inc iPads," she added.

The 1,000-square-meter office complex at the Qingdao polyurethane plant will have a number of environmentally friendly features such as solar energy, geothermal systems and LED lighting to reduce energy use, and water-recycling capability.

Michael Voigt, head of Bayer MaterialScience's eco-commercial building unit in China, said the Qingdao building will be the fifth such structure developed by Bayer globally and its first in China.

As the world's largest construction material manufacturer and consumer, China has a large potential for saving energy in construction, Voigt said.

The Qingdao plant, scheduled to start production in 2012, will serve customers in diverse industries including automotive, construction, furniture and thermoplastic polyurethane. It will have state-of-the-art production equipment.

"There is significant manufacturing activity in northern China, and the new plant will provide greater proximity to our customers. It will also enable us to meet the strong growing demand for polyurethane in China, which is expected to grow between 7 percent and 10 percent on a yearly basis until 2014," Owlia said.

Bayer's five downstream plants include three polyurethane plants, a new polycarbonate sheet facility and a polycarbonate color compounding and design center.

The three new plants will be located in Shanghai, Qingdao and Chongqing.

The polycarbonate color compounding and design facility is in Chongqing and the polycarbonate sheet plant will be established at Guangzhou.

China has become Bayer's largest single market in the Asia-Pacific region by sales. Bayer China achieved 2.9 billion euros of sales in 2010, to which Bayer MaterialScience contributed 1.8 billion euros.

Bayer MaterialScience exhibits at PU China 2010
26 May 2010
Scbeta

Bayer MaterialScience, a global chemical company, will highlight sustainable construction and lightweight mobility solutions at PU China 2010, on May 26-28 in Shenzhen, China.

One of Bayer MaterialScience's key PU China 2010 displays is the Eco Model House, which demonstrates how BMS materials can significantly improve the energy efficiency of buildings, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Integrated solutions for the construction industry range from floor and wall insulation to window encapsulation and solar roof panels. Technology from Bayer MaterialScience enables larger, stronger and thinner wall panels using fewer materials. This allows the manufacture of lighter profiles that are strong enough to be used in large frames, including curtain walls. All these innovations are cost-effective, durable and environmentally friendly, making these technologies easily applicable. In addition, the company is cooperating closely with the CABR (China Academy for Building Research), the top research authority for construction in China, in developing a new polyurethane, fire-resistant insulation system for curtain walls.

The Eco Model House also demonstrates BayerMaterialScience's polyurethane solutions for enabling lighter, stronger and more energy efficient materials, ranging from the thermal insulation used in water piping to the light absorbent properties for films used for solar energy panels.

Buildings are responsible for more than 40% of global energy use and one third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Bayer estimates also indicate that for every kilogram of polyurethane used in construction, as much as 755 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions could be saved over the average lifespan of a building. "Bayer MaterialScience's innovations in sustainable construction technologies clearly have a positive impact on improving the quality of life, as well as the environment," commented Dr. Azita Owlia, Senior Vice President Polyurethanes, Bayer MaterialScience Asia Pacific.

In the transportation industry, the trend towards lighter vehicles is equivalent to having more fuel-efficient vehicles. "At Bayer MaterialScience's PU China 2010 booth, we are showcasing how polyurethanes increase fuel efficiency and comfort to ease travelling," said Dr. Owlia, "For example, with polyurethane composites, automotive manufacturers can reduce the weight of a car body parts by 30-40% compared to reinforced glass fiber alternatives, enabling cars to be significantly more fuel-efficient. Such advanced polyurethane composites replace wood and particle boards in emergency vehicles, trucks and recreational vehicles. In addition, seats made from polyurethanes further contribute to weight reduction as well as providing high levels of comfort. Bayer estimates that for every kilogram of polyurethane used in the automotive industry, the equivalent of 6-12 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions will be saved over the entire lifespan of the car."


Bayer aims to color the view of designers
2 September 2002
Plastics News

Bayer Corp. wants to use the magic of Fantasia to change the way processors think about the firm's plastics product line.

Fantasia is a line of five color and special-effect technologies aimed at helping designers make full use of Bayer's line of engineering resins, including polycarbonate, ABS and related blends.

The Fantasia line will be unveiled at a Sept. 4 gathering in New York. More than 150 designers - representing such firms as Polo Ralph Lauren and Nautica - are scheduled to attend.

``We want people to think of us first when it comes to design options,'' Bayer plastics consumer markets marketing manager John Skabardonis said Aug. 21 at Bayer Corp. headquarters in Pittsburgh.

Fantasia's fantastic five are:

* Aura, a color-infusion technology that uses what Bayer officials call the ``Easter egg method.''

With Aura, molded parts are dipped into a colored liquid mix then removed and dried. The process calls for the installation of machinery for the process of dipping and drying, but it spares processors from having to keep dozens of different-colored materials in stock.

Processors also are able to create their own colors by mixing Bayer dyes with its patented liquid mix. The liquid allows color to penetrate parts to depths of 3-5 millimeters, said plastics industry manager Robert Pyles. In true Easter egg fashion, processors will be able to adjust part color by altering the amount of time parts are immersed in the liquid, Pyles said.

``Aura offers simplicity and inventory reduction,'' said plastics consumer market Vice President Azita Owlia. ``It's necessary because of the fast life cycles of these products. In information technology, colors change season by season.''

The Aura system also eliminates downtime created by processors taking down and cleaning their machines when switching colors. Drying cycles for dipped products can range from 30 seconds to five minutes.

The system works particularly well with small batches, such as information-technology products, officials said.

``Designers can have a ball with this,'' Owlia added. ``The flexibility and possibilities are enormous. There are a lot of color design applications that haven't been tried because of the per-unit cost of traditional color.''

* Leda, a series of effects created for Bayer's pre-colored compounds, including edge-glow, metallic, translucent and fluorescent.

* Imagio, a line of coatings developed in conjunction with PPG Industries Inc. for color-spraying molded parts. The coatings can produce varying levels of glossiness. They're expected to find use in products like cellular phones, computer monitors and workstations.

* Faria, a line of PC-based film inserts.

Bayer is pulling out all the stops to impress designers in that area, culminating in products that can have a mirror finish on one side while allowing light to pass through and back-light multicolored images on the flip side. The images also can be viewed to varying extents from different angles on the mirrored side. The mirrored finish is a first for film insert molding, Bayer officials claim.

Other effects allow the film to incorporate fibers that match the tactile feel of denim or velvet.

* Milena, a series of colors for optical-media products like compact discs and digital versatile discs.

Dry color is inserted at the feed-through point, allowing for more precise color control. It's also a time-saver, officials said.

``The [optical-media] industry has been having problems with replicators changing colors and purging their entire systems,'' Skabardonis said. ``It takes a lot of time, but they have to do it because of the possibility of contamination.'' Bayer began testing the Fantasia line several months ago with a dozen beta customers.

In addition to the New York event, Bayer plans to host seminars with design professionals around the country well into 2003.

Monty Lawton, co-owner of In House Furniture, a Los Angeles designer and manufacturer, was won over by the Fantasia approach when his firm was designing a cafe chair, complete with a back slot to hold a menu.

Lawton and partner Mark Zuckerman hatched the idea in 1999, with the prototype chair winning a design award from a furniture industry trade magazine. They showed the chair at the Chicago Design Show in 2000, but ran into some roadblocks when they wanted to move into commercial production.

``We went to some Italian manufacturers because we were told we would have problems making [the chair] in the U.S., but then they had problems with it, so we came back to the U.S.,'' Lawton said in a recent telephone interview. ``We figured early on that we wanted polycarbonate because it was a hard, durable engineering plastic. It was just a matter of making it work.''

In House then met with toolmaker Douglas Archibald, who helped design Apple's iMac computer, before meeting with Bayer's sales staff to select a material.

``With Fantasia, Bayer seemed to really have a handle on how designers think,'' Lawton said. ``The way they presented [Fantasia] really gets you thinking and helps lead to creative ideas. Design is all about practicality and meaning, and Bayer understood that.''

After choosing several colors and grades from Fantasia's Aura and Leda groups, commercial production of the In House chair - with a translucent PC seat and back on a metal frame - began last month. The product is being produced by A&S Mold & Die of Los Angeles, which also designed the molds.

The chair is available at furniture boutiques across the country and in a major furniture mail-order catalog, Lawton said.

Fantasia's reach into consumer products eventually could range from lighting to furniture to small appliances. Even sunglasses and automotive uses like lighting, trunk releases and other safety features could be enhanced, officials said.

Interest in breaking through design barriers hasn't waned as the global economy has moved into an uncertain period, officials said.

``It's true that some information-technology people have been destroyed by the economy, but all the design firms are focused on what's coming next,'' Skabardonis said. ``They want the next `wow' effect. They're not saying they have to keep it simple because of the economy.''

The Fantasia project has called for the cooperation of various Bayer units - not only those that make PC, ABS, PC/ABS and thermoplastic polyurethane resins, but also coatings and film. Bayer even can provide machinery needed to set up an Easter egg operation for the Aura product.

Bayer's main color-compounding operation is in Hebron, Ohio, but the firm also does some of that work in Baytown, Texas, and Addyston, Ohio. Its PC film production site is in Berlin, Conn.

If it lives up to Bayer's expectations, Fantasia could help reverse a trend that saw the North American unit lose $138 million in the first half as sales dropped 8.5 percent to $4.4 billion, compared with the same period in 2001. Globally, Bayer Corp. brought in about 31 percent of first-half sales for parent Bayer AG of Leverkeusen, Germany.

Interview: Did not allow of copy-paste:
https://www.adsalecprj.com/Publicity/Interview/lang-eng/article-429/Printing.aspx

Additional Press Link:
https://chemistry.uconn.edu/2012/03/#

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Michael P. Gianoni
President and Chief Executive Officer of Blackbaud, Inc.

Lisa R. Bacus
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Cigna Corporation

Timothy C.K. Chou
Former President, Oracle On Demand, Oracle Corporation

Daniel R. Fishback
Former President and Chief Executive Officer, DemandTec, Inc.

Cary T. Fu
Co-Founder and Former Chief Executive Officer, Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

David E. Kepler
Former Executive Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief Information Officer, The Dow Chemical Company

Victor L. Lund
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Teradata Corporation

Kimberly K. Nelson
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, SPS Commerce, Inc.

Joanne B. Olsen
Former Executive Vice President, Cloud Services and Support, Oracle Corporation

James M. Ringler
Former Chairman of the Board, Teradata Corporation

John G. Schwarz
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Visier, Inc.

William S. Stavropoulos
Former Chairman of the Board, Dow

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Just wanted to take a moment to appreciate Dark City which in my opinion is one of the most rich and complex films of all time, capable of being interpreted on so many different levels. On the one hand it is a retelling of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave and the Gnostic/Neo-Platonic battle we’ve been fighting with the Archons and Demiurge for aeons. Though cut off from the Pleroma in the present moment we will eventually “awaken” by tapping into our divine Self, answer our higher spiritual calling, and find our way home. On the other hand it is an exploration of evolutionary progress via expansion of consciousness, as if to ask: Why is it that certain individuals like Murdoch (a Nietzschean Overman-/Christ-like figure) have the capacity to awaken and adapt to the reality of their surroundings while others don’t? Another way to dissect the film is to see it as a Kafkan nightmare in which our oppressors have devised such ingenious methods of oppression that most of us don’t even realize we are slaves in their system. How do you emancipate someone who isn’t cognizant of the fact he is a slave in the first place? This ties in with the Hidden Hand of the Illuminati that’s guiding the global populace toward a New World Order through cunning and deception, not unlike gullible sheep being led to slaughter. (Protocol #11: “The GOYIM are a flock of sheep, and we are their wolves. And you know what happens when the wolves get hold of the flock?”) Bleak as things may seem right now, the forces of Good will vanquish the forces of darkness when all is said and done. (John 1:5, “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”) Furthermore Dark City is a bold attempt to shed light on the Jungian Collective Unconscious and Plato’s Theory of the Soul. To what degree is our identity/self shaped by our memories and unique individual experiences, and to what degree by our Soul and those aspects of our consciousness we have collectively inherited by virtue of being part of the same species? Finally – and this is the interpretation that interests me the most – analyzing Dark City as an allegory of the film-making process. In this interpretation the Strangers are the film-makers and the city is their very own studio, bedecked with the iconography of past cinema including sci-fi, neo-noir and German expressionism – genres and styles Alex Proyas no doubt took inspiration from. The oblivious denizens of the city are the actors, the unwitting players in this massive stage-play of an experiment orchestrated by the Strangers, its aim being to understand the subjects’ collective raison d’être. What makes them tick? Murdoch who awakens to the false nature of his reality becomes the viewer in a sense, trying to comprehend the enigmatic relationship between art and reality. So much going on and this is just the tip of the iceberg! However, all this depth wouldn’t count for shit if Dark City were a boring pretentious flick with no entertainment value (2001: A Space Odyssey). Thankfully it’s one of the most riveting films I’ve ever seen and imo easily among the all-time best in categories like cinematography, art direction and editing. At times the dim moody lighting illuminates the city’s iconic quaint architecture in so striking, so vivid and uncanny a manner, that the image on the screen literally takes your breath away. Proyas creates a cinematic world whose atmosphere is unique and unforgettable, grand and breathtaking. It’s really no wonder, then, that the late Roger Ebert - whom I consider the Harold Bloom of film criticism - championed this underrated masterpiece every chance he got, writing two eloquent reviews (oh how I miss Ebert’s understated language!) while also doing a DVD commentary. In fine, I would suggest Dark City is a journey like no other and one of the very few reasons that justify the existence of film and cinema in our lives. In fact, to call Dark City a “once in a lifetime experience” would be to utter a gross understatement.