Volume 1 | January 2023

Team Contec,

Firstly, I hope that everyone enjoyed some time off with family and friends over the holiday season and got some much-deserved rest. As we begin 2023, I wish you and your families a happy and blessed new year!  

I’m excited to share the launch of our inaugural newsletter – YO!  To continue improving communication across the globe, we will be publishing a monthly newsletter featuring updates about our company, our people, and our community. Each issue will feature an update from a leader in the company and a spotlight on an associate from one of our many locations. While Contec is headquartered in the U.S. and many of our community stories may reflect local activities, our goal is to source stories and content from our global offices and associates. If you have stories that you would like to share, please send them to Kate White.

As we close out 2022, I find inspiration at every turn, forged by Contec associates who have a tolerance for risk and do whatever it takes to face down challenges and take on new opportunities. I’m proud of the respect and integrity we show our fellow associates, customers, and suppliers in all our interactions. Despite the challenges faced in 2022, we stuck together as a team and closed on a strong note. We had a great fourth quarter and we expect our 2022 consolidated gross sales to be ahead of 2021 by approximately 11% and in line with budget. Due to cost pressures on raw materials and freight and a difficult time in the supply chain, we will be slightly behind budget on profitability, however growing market share is our primary focus in this competitive environment. I want to thank each associate for your contributions in 2022 and congratulate you on a great year!

We recognize that there are challenging external conditions with rising interest rates and increasing energy prices, however with all our Strategic Business Units carrying momentum from 2022 we are expecting worldwide sales growth in 2023. We will continue to use our customer-first approach and commitment to quality and innovation to bring the most effective solutions to market. We have built confidence and trust with our customers through our proven expertise and side-by-side support, and we will continue to see the success of these efforts in 2023.

This October, we will celebrate Contec’s 35th anniversary. It has been an incredible journey since Jack and Jim began selling contamination control solutions in 1988. We are excited to celebrate this milestone and we will continue to enjoy the ride! There is no better time than now, to extend our heartfelt appreciation to everybody who supports us across the world – thank you!

I wish you good health and happiness and appreciate your continued support and encouragement for Contec in 2023. 

Avi Lawrence

President, Contec

2023 Holiday Schedule

Take a look at the 2023 Holiday schedules from the United States and Europe:

View the 2023 US  Holiday Schedule

View the 2023 UK Holiday Schedule

View the 2023 France Holiday Schedule

New Benefit Launches in UK

Effective January 1, 2023, Contec has introduced a Death in Service Benefit, which would pay 2x annual salary to the family of any UK Contec employee who were to pass away whlie working for the company.

Questions about this new benefit? Contact Samantha Hewitt. 

Investing in Our Communities

In 2022, Contec associates put a total of 1,642 hours back into our communities! Remember, all US-based associates have 40 hours of paid time off to spend volunteering with the organizations of their choice each year. Want to learn more? Talk to your Manager or Human Resources.

ADAM BLYDEN

Senior Lab Technician

Adam gives back to his local chapter of Omega Psi Phi, where you'll find him working behind the scenes to organize a variety of fundraisers.

Golf Tournaments are a favorite, with proceeds benefitting local causes including St. Luke's Medical Clinic, BRUH Mentorship, and the First Tee Program.

Read more stories like Adam's on our Corporate Social Responsibility page. Have a story you want to share, or someone you want to nominate for a Community Highlight? Contact Kate White.

Ashwood Update

Work has been steadily progressing at our new cleanroom site in Ashwood, UK. This manufacturing facility will allow output of products like ProChlor and our alcohols to grow multiple times compared to current sales volumes. The building was finished over summer and has been subject to some final "snagging" work since. Pallet racking was installed in the warehouse in the meantime.

In December, a large contract for the construction of the cleanrooms and tank farm was approved. Completion of these works is expected to take around 48 weeks. After that final validation works and training of staff are planned before the site is fully operational.

Moving forward, milestone work anniversaries from around the world will be shared in this newsletter. Milestones are defined as 1-year, and all anniversaries in 5-year increments. Congratulations to all those celebrating, thank you for all you do for Contec!

Where in the World is Oliver Crawford?

Did you know, Contec sponsors Oliver Crawford, ATP Professional Tennis Player. You may have seen him on the Wingo Park pickle ball court a time or two, but Oliver is most comfortable on the tennis court, playing in professional tennis matches and tournaments around the world.

Keep an eye out for updates from Oliver throughout the year as he travels the world playing tennis with a familiar logo on his sleeve!

Interested in attending one of Oliver's matches with your customers? Contact Kate White for more information on the schedule and ticket availability.

In December, Oliver visited the Spartanburg Day School to host a free clinic for children and adults. Several Contec associates and their families attended to learn more about Oliver, get tips on their tennis game, and learn more about what it takes to play tennis professionally.

As a reminder, Contec's pickleball court and fitness facilities at both Wingo Park and Locust Grove are available to all associates. Any questions, please see a member of the Human Resources team.