News Archives - Page 7 of 21

Ergon’s HyVolt Is Powering Australia’s Revolutionary Transmission Line Project

August 27, 2024/0 Comments/in Corporate, Energy & Specialty Solutions, News/by Rick Potratz

Ergon is proud to supply HyVolt I dielectric fluids for Australia’s new EnergyConnect — the largest transmission line project in the Southern Hemisphere. Through the Australian specialty oils distributor, Molekulis, HyVolt is being used as the insulating oil to support performance of transformers for this project.

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“Our involvement means contributing to a project that not only enhances the reliability and capacity of the grid but also supports Australia’s transition to a more sustainable energy system,” shared Ergon’s Juan Acosta, Vice President of Sales – Asia.

EnergyConnect is a $1.8 billion project centered on strengthening and expanding Australia’s energy grid through the integration of renewable energy sources and a 900-kilometer transmission line to support a sustainable energy future. The EnergyConnect project will allow energy to be shared between New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria via power generation plants and substations. Sharing renewable energy among regions highlights a unique opportunity of collaboration. Working together in this way not only helps drive greater environmental sustainability but also reduces utility costs for consumers.

This massive energy program requires high-voltage operations, meaning reliable transformers are needed to distribute energy from substations to various destinations along the energy grid. Hyosung Heavy Industries is supplying phase-shifting transformers, which control the flow of power along transmission lines, for this project. Such transformers are important for consumption-based power distribution, ensuring the most efficient use of energy.

With transformers playing such a significant role in this project, optimum long-term performance is key. Insulating oils, or dielectric fluids, are vital to protecting transformers from corrosion and overheating, ensuring consistency in voltage and reducing downtime due to maintenance issues.

“Hyosung selected HyVolt I uninhibited transformer oil for its superior quality and consistent performance, which are essential in ensuring the longevity and reliability of critical assets within Australia’s transmission network.” Said Juan.

Ergon is proud to be a part of this revolutionary project. Learn more about EnergyConnect here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SU54iVwP2Y.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies operating under three primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Integrated Services & Logistics, and Pavement & Coating Resources.

eTac Trackless Bond Coat is Gaining Speed

August 15, 2024/0 Comments/in News, Pavement & Coating Resources/by Rick Potratz

Ensuring seamless fusion of pavement layers is not just about smooth driving – it’s about safety and performance. When layers aren’t bonded properly, failures can occur, creating hazardous conditions where safety is compromised. These challenges are especially detrimental on high-traffic roadways and airport runways where high performing pavements are required to withstand the stresses of rapid acceleration and deceleration.

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Enter Bond/Tack Coats
To combat disastrous pavement failures, bond or tack coats are applied between asphalt layers, mending them together, like a super glue for roads.

eTac – Superior Bond Strength
Due to its advanced polymer modification and specific chemical formulation, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions’ (Ergon A&E) eTac trackless bond coat allows for superior bond strength and rapid setting within minutes of application. Agencies, such as Clark County, Nevada, have witnessed construction equipment operating on the surface in just 20 minutes without tracking. Moreover, eTac’s remarkable performance in Clark County has been validated by sheer testing, performed by the National Center for Asphalt Technology, of core samples from the County’s Lone Mountain Road project. Results showed the bond strength of eTac averaged nearly double the bond strength achieved by conventional tack products. Read the full story and results chart here: Vegas eTac Success.

Award-Winning Experience
Ergon A&E’s eTac is providing a top-tier performance experience. Its usage is gaining ground on high-speed roadway projects, including racetracks for the high-performance sports car industry, as well as on airport runways. Additionally, interstates using eTac, such as Florida Interstate 75, are being recognized for their award-winning performance. Learn how eTac is keeping this Florida Interstate together here: Florida eTac Success.

At Ergon A&E, we are dedicated to pioneering effective roadway solutions while prioritizing your safety and environmental stewardship. Whether cruising down an interstate or racing down a runway for takeoff, we are committed to our vision of high-performance roads that remain intact.

Contact your local roadway resource to find out if eTac is the right solution for your roads today.

M/V Miss Marley Crew Receives First Lampton Honors Award Challenge Coin

August 1, 2024/0 Comments/in Corporate, Culture, Integrated Services & Logistics, News/by Rick Potratz

At Ergon, we take great pride in our core values of Empowered Service, Selfless Leadership, Purposeful Growth and Respectful Relationships. When our Ergon family adheres to these standards and embodies these values, it is important to acknowledge it as an accomplishment. Recently, crew members at Ergon’s Magnolia Marine Transport Company (MMT) exemplified our core value of Selfless Leadership.

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Members of MMT’s M/V Miss Marley crew responded to an industry vessel in distress following contact with the Upper Baton Rouge Bridge. Upon arrival, the Marley crew skillfully guided multiple loose barges to the opposite bank and away from docks, fleets and ships in the vicinity. While the crew views their action as nothing more than expected, their immediate reaction to help a fellow crew in their time of need is an honorable feat itself and highlights the comradery and brotherhood shared between all towboaters no matter the company or circumstances. This type of action is the very definition of integrity and is a great representation of the core values of the Ergon family. In recognition of this selfless act, the members of the M/V Miss Marley crew were honored as the first recipients of the Lampton Honors Award Challenge Coin, presented by MMT’s Senior Vice President of Marine Operations, Roger Harris, and the MMT President, Jacob Dykes.

The Lampton Honors Award Challenge Coin was recently developed by the MMT Safety Team in conjunction with the Lamptons (founding family of Ergon) to reflect company values. The purpose of the Lampton Honors Award Challenge Coin is to recognize MMT team members who go above and beyond during a lifesaving or significant safety event or emergency. These coins can also be awarded to recognize special achievements of team members who showcase exemplary performance. This type of coin is deeply rooted in history, as it has been a military tradition since World War I, and must be earned – it is not given freely.

Thank you to M/V Miss Marley crew members Steven Saunders, James Meyers, Clint Davidson and Sam Landry for your service to others during their time of need. Your Ergon family is extremely grateful for your bravery, prompt response and selfless dedication to helping others. You are the embodiment of Ergon’s core value of Selfless Leadership.

Keep up the great work!

Ergon Celebrates Headquarters Expansion With Groundbreaking Ceremony

July 30, 2024/0 Comments/in Corporate, Culture, News/by Rick Potratz

Flowood, Miss. — On July 30, 2024, Ergon Inc. hosted a groundbreaking celebration for our headquarters expansion project at Mirror Lake Plaza in Flowood, Mississippi.

Founded by Leslie Lampton Sr. in 1954, the Ergon story began with just two employees, a used fuel transport truck and a one-room building in Jackson, Mississippi. The organization has since grown to include global operations, employing over 4,200 people, with 1,200 working in Mississippi alone. This new expansion will support over 200 new jobs in Mississippi.

Still family owned and operated, the Lampton family and Ergon employees remain committed to the mission that has driven our solutions-focused operations for decades: Meet Needs. Support Families. Serve Customers.

“Ergon has experienced a remarkable season of growth over the past five years, as we’ve expanded our market presence to be able to meet the evolving needs of our customers. However, we do not operate for profit alone. At the heart of what we do is our goal to make a positive difference in countless lives and through countless ways. Our headquarters expansion signifies our continued commitment to this goal and our mission. Ergon is a service company, and we look forward to continuing to serve in exciting, innovative ways moving forward,” said Kris Patrick, Ergon President & CEO.

In attendance at the groundbreaking celebration were several elected officials representing the State of Mississippi, the City of Flowood, Rankin County, the City of Vicksburg, Warren County and more.

“We’re grateful to all the elected officials and government representatives, including Governor Tate Reeves, Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann and the Mayor of Flowood, Gary Rhoads, for being part of this celebration not just for Ergon, but for the state of Mississippi,” said Whit Hughes, Vice President – Public Affairs and Government Relations for Ergon.

To learn more about the Ergon story, including the high-value solutions and specialized services we provide to global manufacturing and infrastructure industries, please visit ergon.com/about.

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

Ergon Talks: Our People, Business, Culture and Values

July 22, 2024/0 Comments/in Corporate, Culture, News/by Rick Potratz

At Ergon, we prioritize communication and continuous learning through many avenues, including our podcast series, Ergon Talks. This series serves as a valuable resource for our employees, customers and communities, offering insights into our industry and company culture and emphasizing our commitment to employee well-being and Purposeful Growth.

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Employees benefit from updates on company initiatives, industry trends and professional development opportunities, fostering unity and purpose within our workforce. Our series on Heart Health and Mental Health provides expert advice, reflecting our commitment to employee well-being, while the Safety Summer Series reinforces our dedication to a safe working environment.

Customers gain an insider’s view through Ergon Talks, learning about our operations and our commitment to quality and innovation. Episodes featuring industry experts discussing topics such as emulsified asphalt and infrastructure advancements help customers make informed decisions, fostering trust and contributing to our mutual success.

You can listen to Ergon Talks on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Stay connected with Ergon and join the conversations that shape The Ergon Way. Whether you’re an employee, a customer or a community member, Ergon Talks invites you to explore, learn and engage with us.

People Who Move Us – The Ergon Way

July 19, 2024/0 Comments/in Corporate, Culture, News/by Rick Potratz

The Ergon Way is a motto that represents how we operate, our culture and our core values of Empowered Service, Selfless Leadership, Purposeful Growth and Respectful Relationships. Ergon is comprised of many different types of people who help shape The Ergon Way, and we always love to hear their stories.

We’re excited to introduce a new series on YouTube to share an authentic glimpse into the personality of our Ergon family and show how The Ergon Way permeates all business segments, locations and roles, unifying us all in a shared commitment to serving customers and supporting each other.

Our first video highlights Ergon’s continued commitment to the safety of our employees. Derrick Thompson, Compliance Specialist for ErgonArmor, stepped up and stepped into a new position to better support the safety of employees at the ErgonArmor facility in Kansas City, Kansas.

Check out The Ergon Way playlist on our YouTube channel to see Derrick’s story and upcoming stories of the people who help shape our culture and move the organization forward.

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If you’re interested in being a part of the Ergon family, visit ergon.com/careers for job openings.

Ergon Celebrates 70 Years of Service

July 17, 2024/0 Comments/in Corporate, News/by Rick Potratz

Ergon, a family-owned and -operated business that began in 1954, has been proudly celebrating our 70th anniversary with a series of exciting events and activities. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of the entire Ergon family of employees who have helped grow our organization into the global solutions provider we are today. The hard work of each member of this family, at each level, is truly what has driven Ergon’s evolution from a small petroleum retailer in Jackson, Mississippi, to a global leader providing high-value solutions essential to global manufacturing and infrastructure needs.

Ergon uses a family-focused approach to running our business and therefore a family-focused approach to celebrating our history. We marked the official start of our 70th anniversary celebrations on May 1 with a ceremony at our corporate headquarters in Flowood, Mississippi. During the event, the Lampton family — founding family of Ergon — and our President & CEO, Kris Patrick, gave remarks and visited with employees, taking the time to honor and celebrate our legacy of service and those who built the company’s success, while considering the promising future ahead.

The celebration featured a visual journey through Ergon’s history with photos from each era and a commemorative birthday cake.

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Meanwhile, employees at Ergon locations around the world participated in their own unique festivities, underscoring the global unity and pride of the Ergon family. From the United States to Mexico, Singapore and Belgium, employees celebrated in many different and meaningful ways.

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Ergon Goes Platinum
In traditional anniversary gift-giving, platinum symbolizes the 70th year, representing strength, resilience and enduring value — qualities that perfectly mirror Ergon’s long-standing legacy and commitment to excellence. However, this milestone event is more than a nod to longevity for our organization; it is a chance to honor our employees and the promising future of innovation as we continue to live out our mission of meeting needs, supporting families and serving customers.

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Founded by Leslie B. Lampton Sr., Ergon began as a humble petroleum retailer with just two employees. We have since grown to include over 4,200 employees worldwide with operations spanning several industries, including refining, asphalt, transportation, construction and more. We transform molecules that would otherwise be used as transportation fuels into non-combusted specialty naphthenic and paraffinic products for niche markets. Our asphalt solutions extend the life of North American roadways. Our logistics companies are essential to the manufacturing supply chain.

Your Partner for Progress
The Ergon family has a unique ability to develop, produce and provide long-lasting, high-value solutions customers utilize to improve the performance of products people around the world use every day. As we look to the future, our vision is to be the world’s preferred partner for innovative solutions and specialized services that drive customer success. In doing so, we remain dedicated to product and environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and evolving to meet the needs of customers and communities.

For more details about Ergon’s journey and ongoing projects, follow our social media platforms. Here’s to the future and many more years of success! Thank you to the entire Ergon family for your commitment and contributions.

Preserving The Roads That Connect Us – The Ergon Way

July 9, 2024/0 Comments/in Corporate, News, Pavement & Coating Resources/by Rick Potratz

Roads lead to communities where we live and work. They are vital to modern society. Read Ergon President & CEO Kris Patrick’s latest LinkedIn article, as shown below, to learn more about our commitment to providing solutions to preserve the roads that connect us.

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Ergon provides innovative solutions and specialized services that preserve the roads that connect us and keep the world moving forward. Since selling our first load of asphalt in 1980, we have grown to become the largest asphalt emulsion marketer in North America. The achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Ergon family and our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers. With our growth comes the critical responsibility of being good stewards of our business and continuing to put people first. We continue to collaborate across Ergon businesses and partner with industry associations and universities to enhance pavement preservation efforts that improve infrastructure.

Pavement Preservation
When reflecting on Ergon’s commitment to Doing Right with our products, for our planet, by our people and through our principles, it’s clear why we are deeply invested in pavement preservation.

By helping agencies focus on effective pavement preservation treatments, Ergon is improving road durability while helping to enhance the safety of communities by minimizing road defects, such as potholes, raveling and more early on. Additionally, we help optimize financial resources for agencies, including those tasked with maintaining their entire roadway network with limited funds. We do this by ensuring these agencies understand the benefits of applying the right treatments on the right roads at the right time. This approach is at the heart of the pavement preservation concept, which ultimately reduces resource consumption; lowers emissions; and bolsters local economies by maintaining the integrity of roadways critical to transporting goods and services.

Education Is Key
Educational efforts are key to empowering our customers with the knowledge and tools to protect and preserve their roads. Technical experts within our Pavement & Coating Resources companies collaborate to provide ongoing pavement preservation training sessions for agency representatives at the state, county and city levels as well as engineers and those in academia. These comprehensive sessions raise awareness about the importance of pavement preservation, highlight various treatments and their applications, and outline strategic approaches to optimize annual budgets. Additionally, Ergon provides onsite technical support as part of our specialized service offerings to ensure treatments are applied according to best practices. By bridging the gap between theory and practice and showing agencies how to maximize the longevity and resilience of their roadways, we can make a lasting impact on our customers and communities.

Environmentally Conscious
Regarding a lasting impact, with the increasing emphasis on sustainability, Ergon prioritizes the development, production and marketing of pavement preservation solutions from an environmentally conscious perspective. From our array of emulsion products and warm mix asphalt technology to our binders used in recycled asphalt treatments, Ergon develops preservation technologies that enhance performance and extend service while reducing emissions.

Strategic Logistics Solutions
While optimal performance and longer service life are the goals, a secure supply of products is paramount to pavements well preserved. From sourcing oils from Ergon Refining Inc. for various uses in our products to having strategically located production facilities across the U.S. and Mexico, Ergon ensures customers have consistent access to quality solutions needed to treat their roadways. Along with having strategic locations is establishing reliable transportation of our products, in which we utilize Ergon Trucking Inc., Magnolia Marine Transport Company and support from various other transportation providers to ensure products are where they need to be to meet customer needs.

Roads Lead to Partnerships
For decades, Ergon has remained committed to being The Resource in the asphalt industry, helping agencies understand how to keep their roadways in good condition and equipping them with the right solutions to get the job done. I’m proud of our efforts thus far, and I look forward to the road ahead as we work to be the preferred partner for advancing the asphalt industry.

A Commitment to Employee Well-Being: Meet Steve Clark

June 21, 2024/0 Comments/in Corporate, Culture, News/by Rick Potratz

At Ergon, dedication to employee well-being extends beyond the workplace, fostering physical, emotional and mental health. This commitment is embodied in the role of Steve Clark, Wellness & Recognition Program Manager — a new position both for Clark and for Ergon.

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Clark’s journey with Ergon began over 22 years ago. Before assuming his current role, he served as the Environmental, Health & Safety Compliance Specialist for Ergon Terminaling Inc. (ETI). In this capacity, Clark demonstrated an unwavering commitment to employee wellness, working with Joel Pastorek, Executive Vice President of Ergon’s Integrated Services & Logistics business segment and former President of ETI, to pilot the Ergon Active program in February 2022. Initially aimed at encouraging physical activity and nutritional awareness among employees, the program has since positively impacted mental and emotional well-being as well.

The success of Ergon Active is a testament to the company’s support of employee initiatives and our desire to encourage and improve employee wellness across our family of companies. After starting with a small pilot group of just a handful of employees and being implemented among ETI employees first, word spread and the program quickly gained traction across all of Ergon. After many witnessed the success of the initiative, the program debuted to employees at Ergon’s corporate headquarters in October 2022 and has since been extended to employees within all Ergon companies. “We started this program knowing that it could be bigger than just Ergon Terminaling,” said Clark. “That’s why we gave it such a broad name.”

A key feature of the Ergon Active program is the provision of Fitbit watches to all interested employees. This allows participants to track their physical activity without relying on smartphones, which can be a distraction in safety-sensitive environments. Ergon Active is hosted on the MoveSpring app, which includes a social and photo-sharing feed, further enhancing a sense of community and company culture among the Ergon family and connecting employees at various locations. This sense of community helps employees see beyond their immediate work environment, fostering a broader understanding of Ergon’s extensive reach.

Clark’s initiatives and ongoing communication within the platform have promoted physical activity and significantly impacted employees’ mental and emotional health in the process. Some participating employees have expressed gratitude for the program’s role in helping them cope with personal challenges, such as the loss of loved ones or other heavy emotions.

Recognizing the success of Ergon Active, Clark and representatives from Ergon’s Corporate Human Resources Department began to discuss other ways to expand wellness efforts to include physical, emotional, mental and financial aspects as part of a holistic approach to employee well-being. These discussions led to the creation of Clark’s current role as Wellness & Recognition Program Manager, effective April 1, 2024. In this capacity, Clark aims to work with HR and other Corporate Services Departments to further integrate wellness initiatives into the company’s benefits package and ensure employees understand Ergon’s commitment to meeting their needs.

Reflecting on his career transition, Clark shared, “I never pictured myself in this role, but after seeing the impact of Ergon Active alone and discussing it with my wife, I realized this could turn into something significant and life-changing for people.” He further noted, “I’m very thankful because it’s something I feel passionate about, and I’m excited about the value we can add to the company and to the Ergon family.”

Clark’s role as Wellness & Recognition Program Manager is a cornerstone of Ergon’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy, safe and engaged workforce.

Ergon Expands Partnership With Nordmann Rassmann

May 7, 2024/0 Comments/in Corporate, News/by Rick Potratz

Multinational chemical distributor Nordmann has taken a new step in its partnership with Ergon International Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of naphthenic process and base oils. As of February 1, Nordmann has consolidated the distributing activities across the Baltic States, Benelux, the DACH region, France, the Nordic countries, Serbia, Spain and the UK*.

With its headquarters in Flowood, Mississippi (USA) and a European subsidiary in Waterloo, Belgium, Ergon International is a leading supplier of an extensive range of naphthenic process and base oils used to support a wide variety of technical and industrial applications.

Ergon International’s HyPrene and HyGold naphthenic process and base oils offer an impressive combination of good solvency and high flash points, in addition to outstanding color and UV stability. The company’s full offerings cover a viscosity range of 4 to 1000 cSt at 40°C, excellent blending options and several lines of multi-purpose products made from a variety of raw materials.

“We are extremely pleased to have such a strong partner in Ergon international and to be able to offer solutions for so many different types of applications with their naphthenic process and base oils,” commented Dr. Marco Pickel, Managing Director Nordmann Switzerland AG and Global Sales Director Composites, Construction, Industrial Solutions at Nordmann. “Ergon’s excellence can be seen in its diversified positioning, innovative portfolio and the outstanding quality of its products, which stand up to even the toughest technical requirements. Ergon has been certified by EcoVadis and also set itself the goal of reducing the emissions of its refining operations by 25% in the next two years. This is exactly the kind of thing we look for in a modern, future-oriented partner.”

Torsten Knipping, Sales Manager Base Oils & Key Account Manager at Ergon International, adds: “We are also very excited about the partnership we’ve established with Nordmann, which will allow us to offer customers added value and continue to grow collaboratively in the international distribution of specialties and chemicals. Nordmann’s access to a wide range of markets and industry segments and the in-depth expertise in application technology of its staff will increase our ability to supply customized solutions to customers in the manufacturing and processing industries. We look forward to achieving many new milestones together.”

*In the UK, Nordmann only distributes process oils from Ergon International.

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Ergon’s HyVolt Is Powering Australia’s Revolutionary Transmission Line Project

eTac Trackless Bond Coat is Gaining Speed

M/V Miss Marley Crew Receives First Lampton Honors Award Challenge Coin

Ergon Celebrates Headquarters Expansion With Groundbreaking Ceremony

Ergon Talks: Our People, Business, Culture and Values

People Who Move Us – The Ergon Way

Ergon Celebrates 70 Years of Service

Preserving The Roads That Connect Us – The Ergon Way