GFS Chemicals, Inc., Receives National Performance Improvement Honor

Columbus-Based Global Specialty Chemicals Manufacturer Recognized for EHS in Planning and Operations

Columbus, OH /PRNewswire/ - GFS Chemicals, Inc., is delighted to announce it has been recognized for outstanding efforts in improving environmental, health, safety and, security (EHS&S) by the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA), the leading trade association representing specialty chemical manufacturers.

GFS Chemicals accepted a Silver Performance Improvement Award at SOCMA's 97th Annual Dinner & Meeting on December 10 in New York City. President and CEO J. Steel Hutchinson accepted the award on behalf of the company at the awards dinner.

The Performance Improvement Awards judges recognized GFS Chemicals for EHS in Planning & Operations. On top of the standard risk management programs being implemented at GFS, the company recently implemented a new electronic reporting system that tracks and measures employee engagement in its EHS&S program. GFS implemented the "SAFE (Sustainable Actions for Employees) EHS management system," which is entirely built on proactive initiatives that focuses on leading indicators, promotes incentives and demands accountability at the highest levels. The program develops communication at each level of the company, keeping the environment, health, safety and security at the forefront of everyone's efforts and daily activities. It also demonstrates to employees that their safety is of the utmost importance to the company.

"We are extremely proud of the hard work our employees have done to enhance our safety culture and our EHS&S program," said J. Steel Hutchinson. "This award reflects our commitment to constant improvement for our products, our workers, and our neighbors in the Columbus community."

"As specialty and fine chemical manufacturers, we understand that maintaining a safe environment for your staff and community is not an easy task," said SOCMA President & CEO Jennifer Abril. "It takes time, buy-in from both employees and leadership, and resources to achieve your goals. We congratulate GFS and its employees for their commitment to strengthening their environmental, health and safety efforts and their proactive approach to planning and operations. We look forward to GFS's continued participation in ChemStewards, where there is a platform to learn from each other and share best practices that will assist them in building customer confidence, community trust and strengthening product stewardship throughout the value chain."

About SOCMA:
The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) is part of a $300 billion industry that's fueling the U.S. economy. www.socma.com.

About GFS Chemicals:
Founded in 1928, GFS Chemicals is a chemical manufacturer serving companies worldwide. Providing high-purity, specification-driven specialty and fine chemicals for the Pharma, Agriculture, Food, Environmental, Petrochemical, Flavors and Fragrances, Photovoltaics, Batteries, and Semiconductor industries. Based in Columbus, Ohio, USA, GFS Chemicals has been a leader in the Chemical industry – with the flexibility of a family owned company GFS can be quick and nimble in support of the needs of the most demanding customers. GFS Chemicals participates inChemStewards®, SOCMA's nationally recognized EHS&S program that promotes safety and environmental compliance to all stakeholders. Visit www.gfschemicals.com.