Buckman Unveils New $10 Million Robert H. Buckman Chemical Research & Development Pilot Plant at Memphis, TN Headquarters: A Catalyst for Growth, Innovation, and Economic Development

MEMPHIS, Tenn., USA – Buckman recently unveiled with an opening ceremony its new, state-of-the art chemical R&D pilot plant facility on the campus of its global headquarters in Memphis. The new R&D pilot plant is named in honor of Robert H. (Bob) Buckman, who served in the past as both CEO and Chairman of the Board, to recognize his leadership through the 1980s and 1990s, and his nationally recognized expertise on “knowledge sharing.” Bob Buckman authored the book on the subject in 2004, Building a Knowledge-Driven Organization, pioneering the importance of sharing knowledge across an organization to drive results and identified the computer as the tool to facilitate that knowledge sharing by accelerating and advancing innovation and success.

The Company recently invested over $10 million in a new, 12,400 square foot facility to accelerate and support chemical and digital innovation. The differential solutions Buckman brings to market improve customers’ manufacturing processes, products and even their environmental footprint in industries like pulp and paper, water treatment and leather. This significant investment underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and growth, positioning us to deliver innovative chemical solutions to our customers while fostering economic development within our community.

A pilot plant is a key step in the research and development process at Buckman whereby the company manages ideas to commercialization using a stage-gate process. The pilot plant enables the scaleup of a lab bench product for further improvements and refinements, before it can be commercialized. Successful testing and production at this stage is critical to not only test the efficacy of new products, but to also plan for their safe and effective production at scale in any of Buckman’s manufacturing sites around the world in the U.S., Brazil, S. Africa, Europe and China.

The new R&D pilot plant is designed to accelerate the development of advanced chemical processes and products, enabling Buckman to respond swiftly to market demands and customer needs. By integrating the latest technologies and methodologies, Buckman aims to launch new products, enhance existing product offerings, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. This facility will serve as a hub for experimentation and collaboration, allowing our talented team of scientists and engineers to explore the art of the possible in the chemical sector.

The new facility is equipped with the highest safety standards available, bearing witness to Buckman’s core value of Safety which is expressed throughout the company that People Matter Most. It also has a robust digital monitoring and analysis system to monitor all functions in real time, collecting data that can optimize both the product application and the process.

“Our investment in this R&D pilot plant signifies more than just a financial commitment; it reflects our belief in the power of innovation as a driver of growth,” said Junai Maharaj CEO of Buckman. “This facility will not only attract top talent from our local universities and across the country but also empower our existing workforce to turn new ideas into innovative solutions, ultimately benefiting our customers and stakeholders.”

Maharaj went on to say “Innovation is a key component of our culture, and this investment is one of the most exciting we have made in the last 25 years. The culture of knowledge sharing continues.  We hope that the establishment of the R&D pilot plant will also have a profound impact on the local aspiring chemists and chemical engineers. By partnering with local educational institutions, Buckman will provide internship and training opportunities, helping to cultivate the next generation of chemical engineers and scientists. This initiative aligns with our mission to contribute positively to the community and bolster Memphis’ growing reputation as a hub for innovation.”

“Furthermore, the pilot plant demonstrates Buckman’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices. As we develop new technologies and processes, we aim to minimize waste and enhance resource efficiency, aspiring to set a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the industry,”  Junai Maharaj concluded.

Buckman will celebrate its 80^th year of operation in 2025. As it hits this milestone, its recent growth has been driven under the leadership of an independent management team that the family shareholders put in place in 2017. “We are excited about the future and look forward to delivering even better solutions to our customers, empowering our employees, and contributing to the economic vitality of Memphis.”

About Buckman
Buckman is committed to helping our customers succeed, regardless of the challenges facing them, the industry they operate in or their location in the world. To fulfill that commitment, we surround our rigorously-trained industry experts with the highest-quality chemicals, the latest smart technology, and advanced data analysis. All focused on helping our customers’ operations improve productivity, increase profitability, and ensure safety, compliance, and sustainability. That is more than chemistry. That is Chemistry, connected.