Readers letters

01 October 2007 00:00  [Source: ICB]

How old is the oldest?

We would like to challenge a statement made in your recent article entitled "Good things in small packages" in the September 10, 2007 issue of ICIS Chemical Business.

The article stated that Hubbard-Hall is "probably" the oldest independent chemical distributor in the US. Hubbard-Hall was founded in 1849.

In fact, Borden & Remington, a chemical distributor and manufacturer located in Fall River, Massachussetts, US, was founded back in 1837.

Founded by Hale Remington,the company started as a producer and distributor of bricks, bleach, textile dyes, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals and materials.

We bought out the company in 1972 and now operate in three divisions, covering chemical distribution, commodity chemical manufacturers and latex terminal.

We just wanted to set the record straight.

Daniel Bogan, CEO, borden & remington, Fall river, massachussetts, US

Editor's response

Daniel, thank you for making us aware of your company and its history.

As a publication that has roots going back to 1871, when we were called Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter, we have a keen interest in the history of the chemical industry.

We also may be the oldest trade publication in the US, but this is unconfirmed.

I encourage all our readers, including those in Europe, Asia and Latin America to let us know about your storied company and its roots.

Coming in September 2008 will be our very first issue on the History of Chemicals.

With a long and fascinating history that has truly changed our way of life, I'm confident we will be far from short of great material.

Joseph Chang, Global Editor, ICIS Chemical Business New York, US

Local observations on climate change

Your article on climate change and the potential impact on chemical projects in the August 20 issue of ICIS Chemical Business was very interesting.

It appears the climate is definitely changing in some areas.

My friends who live in Laramie, Wyoming, US, tell me that the state has become much drier in the past 15 years.

They've observed that the summer monsoon season yields less rain than in the past, and more often than not, the afternoon rain doesn't reach town anymore after building up in the mountains in the morning.

No one in the Laramie area is quite sure why the weather pattern is shifting, but the fact that the summer rains have been missing for more than a decade sure has people wondering what the hell is going on.

Outside the town, it's a very serious issue for cattle ranchers who cannot make any money if they have to buy hay during the summer months because the land yields too little grass.

Name withheld by request, New Jersey, US

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