Banner Chemicals Group still growing after 150 years...

A chemicals company founded by the inventor of white spirit is celebrating 150 years at the heart of the Northwest.

Banner Chemicals Group has been trading from Sandhills Lane, Liverpool, since it was set up by entrepreneurial chemist Samuel Banner in 1860.

Today, the company processes, packages and blends chemicals as well as distributing products on behalf of other firms.

It provides solvents and specialty chemicals to a wide range of businesses which are involved in the manufacture of everything from paints to pharmaceuticals - and some of its products are even used on off-shore rigs to facilitate the production of oil.

But the firm has never forgotten its Liverpool roots and still has a site in Sandhills Lane, where it employs 12 people, to this day.

In addition, Banner Chemicals Group operates its head office from Runcorn, Cheshire, as well as a depot in Middlesbrough, Teesside.

It employs 82 people across the entire business and is a part of 2M Holdings.

In September 2010, the company celebrated its longstanding Liverpool connections by hosting a 150th birthday party - with lunch and guest speakers - at the city’s town hall.

Chairman Mottie Kessler said: “Banner Chemicals Group started life in Liverpool so it was very important to us to mark this milestone in Liverpool.

“Not many companies have been in existence for as long as we have and we couldn’t embark on the next 150 years without paying tribute and remembering where it all began.

“It’s difficult to name an industry that doesn’t use products from Banner Chemicals Group. It’s everything from ink and detergents to paint and cleaning products.

“Basically, Banner Chemicals is a one-stop-shop for chemicals.”

Banner Chemical Group's Evolution

The company was established by Samuel Banner, a globetrotting chemist, who invented and patented white spirit in 1860.

This invention brought Banner fame and fortune and his city business prospered.

The patent for white spirit expired in 1880 and today the product is manufactured by some of the world’s biggest oil firms - although Banner no longer produces it.

The Banner family ceased to be involved with the company in 1990 when previous chairman Christopher Banner retired.

He agreed to sell the company to the management who were supported by venture capitalists 3i in their management buy-out.

In 1999, US firm Petroferm Inc. made an offer to buy the company and de-listed it but - five years later - in September 2004, Petroferm agreed to sell Banner to 2M Holding, a company founded by Ieuan Thomas and Mottie Kessler.

Guests included: past and present employees from Banner Chemicals Group; Northwest MPs; the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Hazel Williams; Mike Parker CBE of Liverpool Vision who was CEO of Dow Chemicals; Dr. Tony Bastock OBE, Chairman of industry organisation Chemicals Northwest of which Banner is a member; as well as business leaders; customers and suppliers.

Banner Chemicals Group today

Today, Banner’s range of cleaning and degreasing products are widely used in sectors including: aerospace, electronics, industrial engineering, medical equipment - among others.

Banner has the widest range of precision and electronic cleaning products. These include ‘Evolve’, Novec, Axarel, Lenium, Bioact , Samsol, Triklone and Perklone.

Many of these are 'aerospace approved degreasers' which effectively removes oils and greases from metals, plastics and polymers.

Banner provides technical support to customers with focus on aerospace companies whereby processes are designed so that the products do not leave a residue and an excellent safety profile is kept.

Among many more products, Banner also manufactures and markets 'solvent handling' equipment under its 'Solve-care' range.

This allows users to minimise the amount of exposure they encounter while also significantly reducing the risk of ground water contamination.

Banner is also an authorised distributor for leading global companies including: 3M; CC Hydrosonics which is part of the Crest Group of companies; Brotherton ESSECO which was previously Arm and Hammer; and Fuchs Lubricants among others.

Mr Kessler added: “From its beginnings 150 years ago, the evolution of this company continues with great success.

“Last year, we struck a deal with INEOS ChlorVinyls' perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene plant in Runcorn which was due to be closed - we agreed a sales and marketing agreement for two of its solvents namely Perklone and Triklone.

“We are focused on the needs of our markets and customers in all that we do at Banner Chemicals Group.

“We place a premium on research and development and things are looking very good for the company despite the economic uncertainty.

“At the moment, exports account for around 20 percent of all the business we undertake.

“Just five years ago, that figure was under five percent - and we intend to maintain this rapid growth in overseas sales in the future.

“Our sister company is in process of opening a branch in Eastern China, which should be operational in the near future.

“We are marketing globally oil field chemicals and the Triklone and Perklone export will help us achieve further rapid growth - and help set us on the course for success over the next 150 years.”