Soltex Reactions 2024 Issue Three
Know the current company movements and services.
Soltex to Attend EDIST 2025: Advancing Conversations in Energy Distribution and Technology
Save the date! Soltex is proud to announce our attendance at the 2025 EDIST Conference & Tradeshow, happening from January 14-16, 2025, at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre.
Soltex has built a reputation for delivering high-quality chemical products and exceptional customer support. Our expertise in custom chemical blending, sourcing, and packaging uniquely positions us to serve the evolving needs of industrial and consumer applications. At EDIST 2025, we’re eager to bring this philosophy to the conversation about innovation in energy distribution and technology.
The Electricity, Distribution, Information Systems, and Technology (EDIST) Conference is a premier event for professionals in the electric utility sector. This educational conference and tradeshow focuses on the critical engineering, operational, IT, and management challenges shaping the industry today.
At Soltex, our base components and chemical additives enhance the value of products across a wide range of applications. We look forward to engaging with industry professionals, researchers, and technology innovators at EDIST to explore opportunities where our products and expertise can contribute to solutions for a changing energy landscape.
Attending EDIST provides an unparalleled opportunity to:
- Explore innovative solutions: Engage with cutting-edge technologies and industry trends shaping the future of energy distribution.
- Learn from experts: Gain insights from thought leaders addressing today’s most pressing challenges in energy and technology.
- Build connections: Forge valuable partnerships and exchange knowledge with other stakeholders in the energy sector.
Our commitment to quick response times, technical support, and innovative problem-solving has enabled Soltex to become a major supplier in the global industrial chemical market. We are constantly seeking new ways to expand chemical formulas and deliver uniquely blended solutions to meet the dynamic needs of industries like energy utilities.
Mark your calendars for EDIST 2025, and join Soltex in advancing the future of energy distribution and technology. Stay tuned for more updates about our presence at EDIST, including booth details, session highlights, and opportunities to meet our team.
Explore Soltex’s Comprehensive Product Range and Applications
At Soltex, we pride ourselves on delivering a diverse array of high-performance chemical products designed to meet the specific needs of various industries. Our commitment to innovation and quality is reflected in each of our product offerings. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the products and their key applications:
Adhesives and Sealants
Soltex’s polybutenes serve as versatile, high-quality components in a wide range of applications. From lubricants and greases to adhesives and sealants, our polybutenes are essential for enhancing performance and reliability across industries. They are also used in cosmetics and personal care products, providing a smooth texture and consistency.
Lubricant Additives
Our range of lubricant additives includes a variety of high-performance solutions designed to improve the efficiency and longevity of engines and machinery. These additives are crucial in reducing friction, minimizing wear, and enhancing the overall performance of lubricants in automotive, industrial, and marine applications.
Antioxidants
Soltex’s antioxidants are specially formulated to protect materials from oxidative degradation. These additives are vital in extending the life and maintaining the quality of fuels, lubricants, and polymers. They are used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and plastics manufacturing, ensuring products remain stable and effective under various conditions.
Viscosity Index Improvers
Our viscosity index improvers are essential in maintaining optimal viscosity levels in lubricants, ensuring they perform effectively across a wide range of temperatures. These products are particularly important in automotive and industrial applications where temperature fluctuations can significantly impact performance.
Corrosion Inhibitors
Soltex offers a variety of corrosion inhibitors designed to protect metal surfaces from corrosion in diverse environments. These inhibitors are used in the formulation of coatings, lubricants, and other protective products, ensuring long-lasting protection in industries such as construction, automotive, and marine.
Friction Modifiers
Soltex’s friction modifiers are engineered to reduce friction and wear in mechanical systems, enhancing the efficiency and durability of engines, transmissions, and other machinery. These additives are critical in the automotive and industrial sectors, where reducing friction can lead to significant performance and efficiency gains.
Pour Point Depressants
Soltex’s pour point depressants are formulated to lower the pour point of lubricants and fuels, enabling them to flow more easily at lower temperatures. This capability is particularly valuable in cold climates, where maintaining fluidity is essential for operational reliability in automotive and industrial applications.
Dispersants
Our dispersants are key components in lubricants, fuels, and other formulations, helping to keep particles suspended and preventing deposits. They are crucial in maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of engines, particularly in automotive and marine applications.
Metalworking Fluids
Soltex’s metalworking fluids are engineered to provide superior lubrication, cooling, and protection during metal cutting and forming processes. These fluids are essential in machining, stamping, and other metalworking operations, ensuring precision and extending the life of tools and equipment.
Tackifiers
Our tackifiers are used in adhesive formulations to enhance stickiness and improve the bond strength of adhesives. These products are vital in a range of applications, from packaging and labels to construction and automotive.
Thermal Fluids
Soltex offers a full range of dielectric fluids for various battery systems, improving performance, ensuring thermal stability, and reducing the risk of thermal runaway while extending lifespan. We are developing an advanced battery thermal management fluid. With over 30 years of experience, we deliver valuable solutions in immersion cooling, e-mobility, and dielectric fluids.
Applications Overview
Each of these products is designed with specific applications in mind, ensuring that Soltex can meet the unique needs of various industries. Whether you are looking for solutions to enhance lubrication, protect materials, or improve the performance of your products, Soltex offers the expertise and high-quality products you need.
For a detailed list of our products and their applications, visit our Product and Application Page.
Joseph Massoud – Shaping Our Company’s Growth and Future
At Soltex, we have the privilege of working alongside exceptional individuals who contribute to our company’s success. Today, we shine the spotlight on Joseph Massoud, the Vice President of Procurement at Soltex. With a deep-rooted connection to the chemical industry and years of experience, Joseph has played a vital role in shaping our company’s growth and future.
Joseph’s journey in the industry began at an early age. Growing up in a family immersed in the chemical industry, with his father founding Soltex in 1990, Joseph developed a strong affinity for the field. He recalls spending his summers working part-time at Soltex, gaining valuable experience in various roles. In 2011, Joseph officially joined the company as a full-time employee, starting his career in inside sales. Since joining Soltex, Joseph has remained an integral part of the team. With his exceptional knowledge and dedication, he has risen to the position of Vice President of Procurement, playing a key role in the strategic decision-making and operations at the company.
The chemical additives industry is continuously evolving, and Joseph is keenly aware of the latest trends. Specifically, he highlights sustainability and green additives as a prominent topic in the industry. The growing environmental concerns have sparked a demand for eco-friendly additives derived from renewable sources with a lower environmental impact. Additionally, the rise of electric vehicles (EV) has been a significant focus, aligning with the industry’s shift towards eco-friendly products. Joseph points out Soltex’s involvement in supplying acetylene black, which is utilized in the batteries of electric vehicles. Synthetic oils designed to enhance automotive performance also remain popular, offering improved oxidation resistance, reduced friction, and extended oil life.
As a leader at Soltex, Joseph measures the company’s success by the positive impact it delivers daily to its employees, customers, suppliers, industry, and the community. He firmly believes that the success of Soltex lies in the value it provides to these stakeholders. Leading during uncertain times presents unique challenges, and Joseph is no stranger to them. In a prior position as the head of Supply Chain, he navigated the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying potential threats and implementing strategies to ensure the consistent flow of our supply chain has been a significant challenge. Joseph’s steadfast leadership and ability to adapt have been instrumental in overcoming these obstacles.
Throughout his tenure, Joseph has witnessed pivotal moments that have propelled Soltex forward. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the winter storm of 2021 were turning points for the company. While many businesses faced supply chain disruptions, Soltex never experienced a shutdown or a time when it couldn’t supply its customers. The team’s resilience and quick action to restore operations after the winter storm showcased Soltex’s commitment to customer service and set the stage for some of the best years in the company’s history.
What sets Soltex apart from others in the industry, according to Joseph, is the company’s exceptional service to its customers. Soltex consistently strives to find new ways to better serve the market and deliver value. With a highly flexible and customer-centric approach, Soltex consistently exceeds the needs and expectations of its customers. For current and future users of Soltex products, Joseph wants them to know that customer satisfaction is a top priority. As a customer of Soltex, they can expect reliable supply security and timely product delivery, even with short lead times, ensuring their targeted specifications are met.
Looking ahead, Joseph envisions Soltex’s future marked by growth and diversification. He aims to drive new product development, explore acquisition opportunities, and potentially venture into manufacturing to strengthen the company’s foundation. Additionally, partnering with other exceptional companies in the industry will enhance Soltex’s ability to serve the market effectively.
Joseph Massoud’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in shaping Soltex’s journey. His passion for the industry, coupled with his commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement, solidify his role as a valued leader within our organization. With Joseph at the helm of procurement, Soltex is poised for a future that embraces innovation, sustains growth, and remains a driving force in the chemical industry.
Soltex Celebrates Jarrod Roussell’s Graduation from the ACD Emerging Leaders Program
At Soltex, we take immense pride in fostering talent and championing the growth of our team members. Today, we celebrate an incredible milestone: Jarrod Roussell’s graduation from the 2024 Emerging Leaders program, hosted by the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD).
The ACD Emerging Leaders program is an esteemed initiative, designed to cultivate the next generation of visionary leaders in the chemical distribution industry. Over the course of two years, participants engage in rigorous professional development, honing leadership, and management skills while gaining critical insights into industry trends and challenges. This program’s holistic approach combines education, networking, and mentorship to prepare rising stars for impactful roles within their organizations.
Jarrod’s journey through this program reflects his dedication to excellence and his ability to lead with vision and integrity. As a valuable member of the Soltex team, Jarrod has consistently demonstrated his commitment to innovation, teamwork, and advancing the company’s mission.
Why this achievement matters:
● Leadership Growth: Jarrod’s graduation marks his successful completion of a program that has equipped him with advanced communication, strategic thinking, and advocacy skills—traits that will benefit Soltex and the broader industry.
● Industry Impact: The Emerging Leaders program empowers professionals to shape the future of the $27B+ chemical distribution industry. Jarrod’s participation underscores Soltex’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of this dynamic field.
● Team Inspiration: Jarrod’s accomplishment inspires our team, reflecting the values we hold dear at Soltex: continuous learning, innovation, and excellence.
Jarrod joins a select group of professionals recognized at the ACD’s Annual Meeting in La Quinta, California, for their dedication to leadership in the chemical distribution industry. As ACD COO Lucinda Schofer noted, this year’s graduates represent some of the top talent in this field.
Congratulations to Jarrod Roussell for this remarkable achievement! We look forward to seeing the leadership skills and industry knowledge he has gained through this program further elevate Soltex’s success.
Celebrating Excellence: Soltex CEO Tony Massoud Honored with the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. Entrepreneur Award
Soltex Inc. proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of its founder and CEO, Tony Massoud, who received the prestigious Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. Entrepreneur Award at the 2024 Stevens Awards Gala on October 5th. Held at Pier Sixty in Manhattan, the event brought together hundreds of Stevens alumni, students, and distinguished guests to honor alumni who have made extraordinary contributions to their fields and the Stevens community.
The gala, with the Stevens Institute of Technology campus illuminated in vibrant red across the Hudson River, served as a backdrop to recognize innovation, leadership, and service. Massoud’s award highlights his transformative impact as an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Since founding Soltex Inc. in 1990, Massoud has grown the company from four employees to a global specialty chemical manufacturer and distributor with over 80 team members across multiple locations. His leadership has fostered a culture of mutual respect and innovation, earning accolades such as the 2015 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for advancements in environmental technology.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Massoud reflected on his journey and the lessons learned during his time at Stevens. “Stevens provided me with a tremendous education,” he remarked, noting the invaluable lesson that success hinges not on being the smartest person in the room but having the right people in the room.
Massoud also expressed deep gratitude to his family, whose unwavering support has propelled his career, and to the Soltex Pinnacle Scholars, a scholarship program he established for high-achieving Stevens students. These scholars, whom he mentors personally, attended the gala in his honor, describing his guidance as “life-changing.”
“Without people like Tony, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Noah Spina, a Soltex Pinnacle Scholar and Stevens student.
The evening was a testament to the power of leadership, education, and community, showcasing the incredible accomplishments of Stevens alumni. Soltex is honored to have its CEO recognized among such esteemed company and remains committed to fostering innovation and giving back, inspired by Massoud’s vision and dedication.
Congratulations to Tony Massoud and the other distinguished honorees for their enduring contributions and inspiring achievements!
Honoring Veterans at Soltex: Insights from Air Force Veteran Jesus Medellin
Soltex recognizes and appreciates the service of veterans within our community and our company. This year, we feature insights from Jesus Medellin, an Air Force veteran and son-in-law of Soltex warehouse team member Martina Minton. Jesus has shared his experiences and perspectives on the unique challenges veterans face, as well as the importance of support and respect in the transition back to civilian life.
Reflecting on his service in the Air Force, Jesus attributes his resilience, dedication, and work ethic to the rigorous training and environment he experienced in the military. “My military background helped me develop a strong ability to work hard and push through challenges,” he notes. This strength has been pivotal in his career and contributions to his community.
Jesus actively participates in veteran forums and groups, engaging in networks that support veterans’ mental and physical well-being. He highlights the importance of understanding that, for many veterans, the transition back to civilian life includes overcoming lasting impacts on health. “Be understanding that not all veterans come back with full mental or physical health. Offering support or guidance can make a difference for those who may struggle to adapt,” Jesus advises.
At Soltex, supporting veterans is part of our commitment to fostering respect, empathy, and community. For Jesus, knowing that Soltex stands behind veterans is a source of pride and encouragement. “It means a lot to know that an organization can help and wants to help veterans in any way they can. Love, support, and respect can go a long way. Not everyone understands the toll of being a veteran, but having the right people’s support can make adapting back to civilian life a little easier,” he shares.
For those transitioning from military to civilian careers, Jesus offers valuable advice: “Prepare for a lot of changes, find a mentor if possible, and discover ways to cope with the absence of camaraderie. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Soltex extends its gratitude to veterans like Jesus Medellin, whose dedication to both their country and their communities serves as an enduring reminder of the sacrifices made in service. We are committed to supporting veterans in our workforce and beyond, acknowledging the strength they bring and the respect they deserve.
Help support our veterans this year:
Soltex Welcomes Three Valuable Team Members in 2024
At Soltex, we always seek to strengthen our team with talented professionals who bring valuable skills and experience. Today, we are excited to acknowledge three valuable additions to our team over this year who will contribute to Soltex’s continued success and growth.
Will Holland – Account Manager
We are also excited to welcome Will Holland as our new Account Manager. Will comes to Soltex with five years of business experience, most recently serving as Sales Representative for Certified Labs. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University.
In his new role, Will will be responsible for managing and promoting Soltex product lines, with a focus on Soltex Beta, Alpha, and Opticool thermal conductive and dielectric fluids in industrial markets. Based in Houston, TX, Will will report to the Director of Sales. Outside of work, Will enjoys playing guitar, producing music, and staying active with golf, pickleball, and running with his six-year-old chocolate lab, Bear.
Will has been with Soltex since September. Reporting directly to the Director of Sales, John Grimes, and actively adding value to our sales team.
Frederic Gombert – Acetylene Black Technical Manager
We are pleased to acknowledge that Frederic Gombert joined Soltex as our Acetylene Black Technical Manager in June. Frederic brings an impressive 39 years of expertise in producing and selling acetylene black. He has been a long-time friend of Soltex from his years as Director at SN2A in France, now Orion Engineered Carbons.
Frederic reports to Joseph Massoud, Vice President of Procurement, focusing on expanding our acetylene black business while providing technical and sales support.
Taylor Drechney – Accounts Payable Lead
Lastly, we are delighted to introduce Taylor Drechney as our new Accounts Payable Lead in the US. Taylor brings over five years of accounting experience, along with a background in social media and events management.
Taylor has been with Soltex since March, working closely with our accounting and finance teams. Reporting directly to Financial Controller, Matthew Rayburn, Taylor has already proven to be a valuable asset.
We are confident that Will, Frederic, and Taylor will be instrumental in driving Soltex forward, and we anticipate the great contributions they will make. Welcome to the Soltex team!
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Excellence: Soltex Founder and CEO Tony Massoud Receives Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. Entrepreneur Award
At Soltex, we are proud to announce that our Founder and CEO, Tony Massoud, has been honored with the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. Entrepreneur Award from the Stevens Institute of Technology. This prestigious award recognizes Tony’s exceptional leadership, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his longstanding contributions to the industrial chemical marketplace.
Tony, a 1979 graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology, founded Soltex in 1990 with a clear vision: to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industrial chemical industry. Over the past three decades, Soltex has expanded its global reach, offering specialty chemical products and services to diverse markets around the world. Tony’s focus on service excellence, product innovation, and fostering strong relationships with business partners has been central to the company’s growth.
The Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. Entrepreneur Award is given to alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Tony’s work at Soltex exemplifies these qualities, and his contributions have not only advanced the specialty chemicals industry but have also positively impacted the lives of countless customers and partners.
Under Tony’s leadership, Soltex has become known for its commitment to quality and customer service. By assembling a strong team and providing them with the tools to succeed, Tony has built an organization that is both adaptable and resilient in a constantly changing marketplace. His entrepreneurial approach has allowed Soltex to consistently meet market demands while remaining at the forefront of industry advancements.
As we celebrate Tony’s achievement, we also reflect on Soltex’s journey and the values that have guided us from the beginning: innovation, integrity, and a relentless commitment to meeting the needs of our clients. The recognition of Tony’s work through The Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. Entrepreneur Award is a testament to the impact that a dedicated leader can have on both a company and an industry.
Soltex Sponsors Morris County Community Walk, Raising Over $150,000 for Suicide Prevention
Soltex partners with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to sponsor a community walk dedicated to raising awareness and funds for mental health support and suicide prevention. The event, held in Morris County, saw an incredible turnout, with participants from all walks of life coming together to honor loved ones, share stories of hope, and support a cause that touches countless lives.
Thanks to the generosity of our community and corporate sponsors, including Soltex, the event raised over $150,000 for the AFSP. These funds will be instrumental in supporting the foundation’s life-saving research, educational programs, advocacy efforts, and support for survivors of suicide loss.
A Shared Commitment to Mental Health
At Soltex, we believe in the importance of mental health and wellness, both in our workplace and in the broader community. By supporting the AFSP, we are proud to stand with those working tirelessly to break the stigma around mental health and provide vital resources to those in need.
Thank You for Making a Difference
We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, donated, or volunteered to make this event such a success. Together, we are contributing to a future where suicide is preventable, and no one has to struggle alone.
