1981, the first London Marathon was held with 7,000 runners, NASA launched the very first Space Shuttle mission, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer got married and MTV started broadcasting in the USA.
June 1981 also marks the date that Surfachem Limited was incorporated as a business. As we celebrate this milestone, we acknowledge that a lot has happened over the past 40 years. From our Yorkshire roots in the United Kingdom, we have grown to become a global leader in speciality chemical distribution.
Surfachem 40th Anniversary from Surfachem on Vimeo.
The evolution of Surfachem’s Distribution Centre
In 1981, we started with a small office and warehouse in the North of England, primarily distributing surfactants. Fast forward to 2021, and we have evolved to become a leading speciality chemicals distributor, focused on Personal Care and Cleaning applications. We employ a team of over 140 dedicated experts across 10 sites. Supporting customers all over the world, our business has fulfilled 17,500 orders and shipped 24,000MT over the past year.
Over the last 40 years, we have built an exceptional product portfolio, containing over 2,500 speciality chemical ingredients. Our knowledgeable laboratory team use the latest ingredients to create innovative formulations. With over 685 new formulations developed in the last year, and a new laboratory facility opening this year, we look forward to supporting even more customers with formulation ideas and support.
Quotes | Our Team
“To our current team, and to everyone that has worked at Surfachem over the past 40 years, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all. Without you, Surfachem would not be what is today. 40 years after the start of our journey, we are still delivering chemistry for a better life. Thank you to all of the suppliers and customers that have worked with Surfachem over the past 40 years. Whilst celebrating this achievement in person is not currently possible, we look forward to arranging a delayed event at a later date when COVID restrictions have been fully lifted.”…Greg Barton – Managing Director, Surfachem Limited
"Surfachem became a truly international business during the last decade and our future is becoming a global one. We thank everyone who has helped the group reach this 40 year milestone and to those who will help deliver the next 40."...Dr. Richard Smith - Chief Operating Officer, 2M Group of Companies & Managing Director, Surfachem Group
“Since joining the 2M Group of Companies in 2007, Surfachem has grown from a UK distributor into a truly international business, with numerous sites and customers all over the world. In addition to maintaining strong customer relationships, and expanding its global footprint, Surfachem has also played a key role in promoting STEM education by sharing its knowledge and helping people of all ages and backgrounds, truly understand the endless opportunities within the chemical industry.”…Mottie Kessler MBE – Chair, 2M Group of Companies
Delivering chemistry for a better life
Whilst now is the time to reflect on Surfachem’s history, it is also an opportunity to look ahead. Our world is ever-changing and as a Group, we acknowledge the importance of digital development in enabling us to grow. In addition to our commitment to digital solutions, we will continue to make strategic investments in people and infrastructure to support our growth.
We look forward to seeing what our team can achieve, driven by our pledge to deliver chemistry for a better life.
