Chemical Distribution growth on the climb in 2010.

Firms in the National Association of Chemical Distributors posted strong business gains during 2010, a testament to both their persistence in the face of a reluctant economy and — we’re sure — to the benefits of NACD membership.

The Association’s annual Company Productivity Report (CPR) shows NACD member companies achieved strong profitability in 2010. In particular, nominal dollar sales rose 12.9%, 24.0%, and 11.7% for the LIQ, FPP, and BPM groups* respectively. While physical throughput of pounds of chemicals moving through the warehouse (without 3rd party), sales were 7.9% lower in 2010 (as compared to 2009) for the LIQ group, the FPP and BPM groups saw a 16.0% and 13.4% rise, respectively.

The best practices espoused under Responsible Distribution and other NACD tenets are simply good, smart business that better enable a company to ride out rough seas.

“The recession had its effect on NACD’s members, as it did on all industrial sectors,” said NACD President Chris Jahn. “But on the whole, it weathered the storm better than other industries, due largely to a strong, conservative management culture backed by a commitment to Responsible Distribution, NACD’s management performance practice.”