Ergon to Adjust Naphthenic Prices in North America

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Ergon has announced an increase in pricing of naphthenic oils in the North American market effective Friday, September 22, 2023.

  • Ergon’s HyPrene Process Oils, HyGold Base Oils and HyPrint Ink Oils will increase +$0.25 per gallon

  • HyVolt Dielectric Fluids and 60 viscosity products will increase +$0.30 per gallon

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies that operate under four primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, Integrated Services & Logistics, and Exploration & Production.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
kathy.potts@ergon.com
ergon.com |  ergonspecialtyoils.com

Gerardo Maldonado Promoted to Senior Vice President of Global Sales

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Ergon has announced that Gerardo Maldonado has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Ergon Refining Inc. In his new role, Maldonado will support Ergon’s global sales efforts and sales teams.

Maldonado joined the Ergon family in 2013 as Sales Manager Latin America. He was promoted to Sales Director Latin America in 2015 and then Vice President, PSMD in Latin America in 2019. Maldonado has almost 20 years of industry experience and is an invaluable part of the Ergon family.

“We look forward to Gerardo’s contributions to Ergon,” said Chris Marquette, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Ergon Refining Inc.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies operating under four primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, Integrated Services & Logistics, and Exploration & Production. Within the Energy & Specialty Solutions business segment, Ergon Refining Inc. is the world’s leading producer of specialty naphthenic oils and Ergon – West Virginia Inc. is a major manufacturer of Group I and Group II paraffinic base oils. Product lines include HyGold base oils, HyPrene process oils, HyVolt dielectric fluids and HyPrint ink oils.

Contact
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
kathy.potts@ergon.com
601-933-3000 
ergon.com | ergonspecialtyoils.com

Daniel Faller Named Division Manager of Alliant Construction’s Regional Office in Memphis

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Alliant Construction, a Division of Ergon Construction Group Inc., is pleased to announce Daniel Faller as Division Manager of Alliant Construction’s new regional office in Memphis, Tennessee.

Daniel has been in the construction industry for over 20 years and has comprehensive experience in all facets of the business. His different roles in the industry and involvement in diverse market sectors make him the ideal leader for Alliant’s expansion into the Greater Memphis area as well as other markets in the region.

Daniel grew up in the Memphis area and attended Mississippi State University where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Management of Construction and Land Development. He started in the construction business working with a local residential electrician while in high school and college.

While attending Mississippi State, Daniel met his wife, Rachel, and together they have four daughters and reside in Germantown, Tennessee. In his personal time, Daniel enjoys coaching his daughter’s sports teams and planning his family’s next trip to the mountains.

As a respected problem-solver, Daniel enjoys the various challenges of the construction business. He believes in a collaborative approach driven by clear communication and involvement from all team members. Recently, Daniel has obtained extensive experience managing large design-build projects in the industrial market.

Daniel stated, “I am incredibly excited to join Alliant Construction and looking forward to building on our team’s foundation of success as we expand our services into the Greater Memphis Area and additional markets in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas.”

“Daniel is an exceptional addition to Alliant Construction and the Ergon family. Daniel is a highly regarded construction professional, and we are pleased he will help lead our expansion into new markets in the multi-state Greater Memphis region.”

– Nathan Witt, President of Ergon Construction Group

“We are excited to welcome Daniel to Alliant Construction. Daniel’s experience, integrity, and problem-solving approach to doing business make him a perfect fit for our team. We look forward to his continued leadership and success in the years ahead.”

– Andy Measells, Vice President/General Manager of Alliant Construction

About Alliant Construction
Alliant Construction, a division of Ergon Construction Group Inc., is a commercial general contractor headquartered in Flowood, Mississippi, working with private owners, developers, governmental agencies and other partners. We are committed to hard work and continuous improvement as well as the highest standards of safety, quality and service. Alliant team members have proven track records of success and integrity with considerable experience designing, estimating, building and managing projects. Individually and collectively, we take great pride in meeting and exceeding expectations.

About Ergon
Ergon is a family-owned organization comprised of a wide array of businesses. Established in Mississippi in 1954, the Ergon family of companies serves customers in more than 90 countries around the world. Business segments include Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, Integrated Services & Logistics, and Exploration & Production.

Ergon Refining Announces Purchase of Fuels Terminal in Vicksburg, Mississippi

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FLOWOOD, Miss. — Ergon Refining Inc. has announced the finalization of an agreement to purchase a fuels terminal in Vicksburg, Mississippi, from CITGO Petroleum Corporation. The facility will offer a full slate of gasoline and diesel fuel products beginning mid-September 2023.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to serve the wholesale fuels market in western Mississippi and eastern Louisiana,” commented Kirk Latson, Senior Vice President of Fuels Marketing for Ergon.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies operating under four primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, Integrated Services & Logistics, and Exploration & Production. Within the Energy & Specialty Solutions segment, Ergon Refining Inc. is the world’s leading producer of specialty naphthenic oils and Ergon – West Virginia Inc. is a major manufacturer of Group I and Group II paraffinic base oils. Product lines include HyGold base oils, HyPrene process oils, HyVolt dielectric fluids and HyPrint ink oils.

Contact
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
kathy.potts@ergon.com
601-933-3000
ergon.com | ergonspecialtyoils.com

Ergon’s Emergency Response Teams

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Learn how the Emergency Response Team volunteers from Ergon Refining Inc. (ERI) and Ergon – West Virginia Inc. (EWV) are furthering their training to help ensure the safety and well-being of refinery employees and the communities we serve. We are grateful for their commitment to safety and their willingness to protect their peers.

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Emergency Response Teams are Doing Right by Saving Lives

Ergon Refining Inc. (ERI) and Ergon – West Virginia Inc. (EWV) have on-site volunteers who serve on Emergency Response Teams (ERTs), which were created as part of an ongoing commitment to health and safety at Ergon facilities. ERT members undergo necessary training on strategic processes in emergency situations and ways to mitigate risks of injuries and illnesses to the Ergon family.

At EWV, the ERT consists of 48 volunteers who respond to several types of emergencies, both within the facility and in the community. These ERT members receive medical training at the first responder level, and some volunteers are also trained in many facets of technical rescue, including high-angle, confined-space, trench and water rescue. Many EWV ERT volunteers have also obtained basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), advanced EMT and paramedic certifications.

At ERI, the newly established ERT consists of 25 volunteers, and they are actively recruiting more members. ERT members receive fire, hazardous materials and medical emergency response training. In the future, the team will participate in more extensive firefighting training and will also train in confined space, trench and water rescue. Ensuring health and safety and saving lives is the top priority for these Ergon Emergency Response Teams, and we are grateful for the efforts of our family of volunteers.

This initiative is one of many we embrace as part of efforts to ensure a safe work environment. Our goal is for every employee to return home safe, healthy and whole every day. The ERTs are important for quick response in the event of an emergency. This safety initiative puts actions to words and makes our workplace safer each day.

Patrick Nation To Be Named President of Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions

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FLOWOOD, Miss. — Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Inc. (Ergon A&E) has announced that Patrick Nation will assume the role of President, effective January 1, 2024, following the  retirement of current Ergon A&E President Baxter Burns.

A native of Clinton, Mississippi, Patrick joined Ergon A&E in 1999 as an Alabama Area Sales Manager. He has since held various positions throughout the company, including Area Sales Manager for Vicksburg, Mississippi; General Manager of ErgonArmor; Regional Manager, Vice President, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing; and currently, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Supply.

Patrick earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College. He has been actively involved with industry associations throughout his career, serving as a Board Member for the Foundation for Pavement Preservation as well as in many roles for the Asphalt Institute, including Chair in 2022.

“Patrick has years of experience in asphalt and emulsion sales and marketing,” said Burns. “And he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring Ergon remains an industry-leading resource for agencies across the U.S. and Mexico. This commitment will undoubtedly serve our company and the industry well into the future.”

Nation commented: “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as President and lead Ergon A&E into a successful future as we continue to live out our mission to provide innovative resources that drive people forward.”

In addition to his role as President, Nation will also assume leadership of the Pavement & Coating Resources business segment.

About Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions
Ergon A&E produces, develops and markets a variety of asphalt products, including polymer modified asphalt and emulsions, and is the largest asphalt emulsion marketer in North America. Ergon A&E is part of Ergon Inc., a group of privately held companies operating under four primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, Integrated Services & Logistics, and Exploration & Production.

Contact:
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
Ergon Inc.
kathy.potts@ergon.com
601-933-3000

MOGoil Purchased by Process Oils

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FLOWOOD, Miss. — Process Oils, Inc., an Ergon company (Process Oils), has announced the purchase of MOGoil GmbH (MOGoil) on August 1, 2023. Since 2006, MOGoil has served its customer base in Europe and beyond by supplying them with optimal base oil solutions from a global network of long-term supply partners. Now a wholly owned subsidiary of Process Oils, MOGoil is positioned for a more sustainable future as a leader in international base oil distribution.

“The addition of MOGoil will expand our regional expertise and further position us to better meet global market needs on a larger scale,” said Lance Puckett, President of Process Oils. “We are excited to have MOGoil join the Ergon family as both companies have a passion for exceeding customer expectations and striving to be the world’s preferred solutions provider.”

In a joint statement, Managing Directors for MOGoil said: “Being a part of the Ergon family of companies means major growth opportunities for MOGoil, and we are pleased to join a company known for extending remarkable support to employees, customers and partners.”

About Process Oils, Inc.
Begun as Chemical Marketing Associates Inc. in Houston, Texas, in 1979, Process Oils was purchased by Ergon in 2015. With a core business built around technical marketing of base oil and process oil products, together with green solutions such as vegetable and bio-oils, Process Oils has a demonstrated ability to work with customers around the globe to find the right chemistries for the right applications. Process Oils has grown over the years to represent over 10 different mineral oil refineries and five different vegetable oil refineries, providing the physical and chemical properties that its customers need to best fit their applications.

About Ergon, Inc.
Ergon is a family-owned organization comprised of a wide array of businesses. Established in Mississippi in 1954, the Ergon family of companies serves customers in more than 90 countries around the world. Business segments include Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, Integrated Services & Logistics, and Exploration & Production.

Contact:
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
Ergon Inc.
kathy.potts@ergon.com
601-933-3000

Ergon Terminaling Hosts Fox Township for Annual Drill

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Ergon strives to be a good steward of the environment and in our local communities. It’s a part of our goal of Doing Right — The Ergon Way. Magnolia, Ohio, is home to one of Ergon Terminaling Inc.’s (ETI) facilities and is where we conduct annual spill drills with first responders per the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration. “Drills are extremely important because of the nature of what we do and the product we work with,” said Craig Rohr, ETI’s Regional Manager North and drill coordinator.

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Part of caring for the local community is establishing relationships with first responders, like local fire departments and HAZMAT teams, and working together efficiently to address incidents that may impact people, businesses and the environment. “You only perform as well as you practice,” said Rohr.

During any incident, the relationship among first responders and other agencies or companies involved matters and can be the difference in the outcome of a situation. The drills are performed to help ensure that in case of an actual incident, the local team can be far more effective, having already established a working relationship and clear protocols.

On July 12, 2023, ETI conducted a spill drill with the Fox Township Fire Department. This drill consisted of a scenario created by ETI that the Department had to work through. During spill drills, participants are made aware of the necessary notifications to be sent or shared, the various roles of departments/personnel, and spill containment operations. Participants then undergo a simulation in which they have to model each step of the spill containment process as if it were a live event.

ETI plays a role in spill containment throughout Magnolia, depending on the proximity of the incident to our spill containment equipment. For this reason, ETI not only creates the scenarios but must also be involved to learn and recap how to adjust operations during the time of the event.

Participating in drills and responding to incidents are just a few of the ways Ergon is Doing Right to help protect the communities we serve. Lending a helping hand simply because we are in a position to do so is The Ergon Way.

The Ergon Way – Message From the CEO

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Ergon was incorporated on July 1, 1970, bringing the family of companies we’ve developed since 1954 and beyond under one organization. As we celebrate the 53rd year of operating as One Ergon: United by Service, Driven by Solutions, Ergon President and CEO Kris Patrick reflects on the values that drive Ergon’s success.

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There is much excitement in the air surrounding all the opportunities that lie ahead for the Ergon organization. We are investing in innovation, in new avenues to provide the products our customers need to succeed and in the Ergon family of employees through education, training, growing our workforce and being intentional about safety every day.

With all of this exciting change, one thing that will remain consistent is who we are. Ergon is driven by our core values of Empowered Service, Selfless Leadership, Purposeful Growth and Respectful Relationships. We do things differently, and we do things right. We like to call it The Ergon Way.

We Want the Best for our Customers
We prioritize our customers. It is our goal to ensure they have competitive advantages, and that starts with attentiveness and genuine care for their well-being. Ergon customers are part of our family, and like family, we want what’s best for them.

Our Frontline Employees Are the Heart of Ergon
Customer success starts with employee success. Ergon’s frontline employees play a critical role in keeping Ergon moving forward. Leaders across our family of companies are committed to serving and setting our dedicated workforce up for success, enabling them to serve our customers to the best of their ability while achieving purposeful personal growth as well.

Our Legacy of Selfless Leadership and Service Remains Strong
We will never forget the strong legacy that Ergon Founder, Mr. Lampton, and his sons, Leslie, Lee, Bill and Robert, established for Ergon through their authentic and selfless leadership style. We are thankful for their leadership and their reinvestments back into the company and our people. What we do as a business is the direct result of the Lampton family’s continued support. They have provided the foundation and the blueprint that we will carry on for future generations.

As we continue to expand our horizons as an organization, our mission remains the same: meet needs, support families and serve our great customers. That’s who we are and who we will always be.

That’s the Ergon Way.

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If you’re interested in working the Ergon Way, visit our careers page to find out how you can join our family.

A Century of Asphalt Emulsions

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This year, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of modernized emulsified asphalt. Asphalt emulsions applied on the right road at the right time are critical factors in pavement preservation worldwide. And properly preserved, well-maintained roadways are crucial to ensuring safer routes to and from jobs, schools, homes, stores, entertainment and more. With such an important role in quality of life for all, we couldn’t let this year pass without saying Happy Birthday to Asphalt Emulsion! In this blog post, Dr. Gaylon Baumgardner, EVP – Technical Operations for Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions and President of the International Bitumen Emulsion Federation (IBEF), briefly walks us through the history of emulsions and how Ergon is taking advantage of opportunities to partner with associations, those in academia and others to research, innovate and develop strategies for the efficient and sustainable use of this material to improve infrastructure.

Ergon is proud of the work Dr. Baumgardner is overseeing as President of IBEF. He is a shining example of our commitment to using our technical expertise to advance the industries we serve.

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100 Years of Asphalt Emulsions

Emulsified asphalt, also referred to as liquid asphalt because of its liquid state at ambient temperatures, includes both cutback asphalt and asphalt emulsion. A cutback asphalt is made by adding a diluent, typically a petroleum distillate, to refined asphalt. Cutback asphalt has reportedly been used in road construction since the 1800s. And there was a major expansion of cutback asphalt from the 1930s through the 1970s. Although still utilized for various applications, new developments over time and ultimately a push to mitigate uncontrolled hydrocarbon emissions in the U.S. specifically led to a push for further development, education and use of the more sustainable emulsified asphalt — asphalt emulsion. Asphalt emulsion is a mixture of two normally immiscible components, asphalt and water, combined with an emulsifying agent often referred to as a surfactant. The following timeline of asphalt emulsion gives you a glimpse into its considerable advancement over the past century.

A Timeline of Asphalt Emulsion
The first reported use of asphalt emulsion in pavement construction was in 1903, with the first asphalt emulsion patents issued to Leonard Schade van Westrum in the United Kingdom and then in the United States in late 1903 and early 1904 (Ref UK No. 21,195 October 1903 and US No. 752,486 February 1904). Westrum was issued a later patent in 1911 as well (US No. 992,313 May 1911). Modern asphalt emulsions in use today were patented by Hugh Alan McKay with the UK patent No. 202,021 in August 1923.

Patented technology prior to 1923 primarily focused on oil emulsions for road applications; however, a distinction can be made. Westrum’s approach to emulsifying oil contained a greater component of water and a lesser component of oil/asphalt. In Westrum’s first work, the water component was more than 75%. Furthermore, the dispersed oil component was a blend of oil and asphalt, much like what is referred to as “road oil” today. The 1923 McKay patent describes in detail an emulsion consisting of 70% asphalt (bitumen) and 30% water. This is a bit more like the asphalt emulsion produced and used today. Hence, we celebrate 100 years since the birth of modern asphalt emulsions in road construction.

Emulsions – The Answer to Hydrocarbon Emission Reduction
Use of asphalt emulsion has grown considerably over the past century, more specifically in the last half-century. The primary reason is a response to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the executive order of President Richard Nixon in 1970. In 1975, the EPA estimated that uncontrolled hydrocarbon emissions from the use of cutback asphalt were 655 kilotons per year. With the 1977 EPA publication of a guideline series, “Control of Volatile Organic Compounds From Use of Cutback Asphalt,” a large-scale national conversion from use of solvent cutback asphalt to asphalt emulsions was initiated. The advantages of converting from cutback asphalt to asphalt emulsions in terms of conservation of energy and reduction of air pollution were, and are, accepted by all concerned.

Organizations Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions (EAE) personnel are part of today, including the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association, the International Slurry Surfacing Association and the International Bitumen Emulsion Federation, to name a few, are dedicated to facilitating research and dialogue among agencies, suppliers, engineers, those in academia and more, on how to adopt, refine and efficiently utilize asphalt emulsions to preserve and maintain roadways, with minimal harm to the environment.

With today’s environmental and social governance narrative, there is increased concern over environmental impacts from all facets of the road construction industry. Engineers, environmentalists and major companies are concerned with the impact of construction methods and materials on workers and the environment.

Sustainability – The Ergon Way
Ergon A&E has been at the cutting edge of environmentally friendly asphalt emulsion technology and has long promoted the use of asphalt emulsions for various applications to achieve good performance while also reducing environmental risk. In fact, ePrime, one of Ergon A&E’s eSeries products, is an eco-friendly prime coat that is completely free of volatile organic compounds. Ergon A&E also supplies emulsion binders for recycled asphalt treatments that reduce emissions and energy consumption during construction. There is plenty more on the horizon with regard to more sustainable asphalt emulsion products for the end user, as well as more sustainable processes for product development.

This is an exciting time for research and development of modern asphalt emulsions, and the opportunities are vast. Emulsions make up a highly diverse heterogenous system. It is understandable why numerous researchers from all industries have studied this type of material for centuries. Ergon A&E looks forward to continuing partnerships with companies, associations and universities to further contribute to the knowledge and advancement of this versatile material.

Happy Birthday, Asphalt Emulsion! Here’s to many more.

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IBEF is heading to Poland as a bronze sponsor of the European Asphalt Technology Association Conference on June 12-14, 2023, which will focus on 100 years of emulsion in addition to other topics impacting the emulsion industry at large.