Innovative Chemical Solutions Information

Innovative Chemical Solutions, Inc., established in 2003, was founded to address the concerns of mycobacteria and Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in the metalworking industry. Research had shown that the presence of mycobacteria, either living or dead, could potentially be a cause for HP. With cases of HP in the industry increasing, the manufacturing industry was looking for products that would not contribute to these concerns, and at the same time last longer than they ever have. As the idea for Innovative Chemical Solutions was expanding, someone with the expertise was needed to create the fluids to meet the demanding expectations of the metalworking industry. Jim Cramer was approached to be the Technical Director for this very reason. Jim's knowledge, from working at the Johnson Division of the OMC Corporation, helped shape his ability to formulate products that are process driven. With 130 die cast machines under one roof and starting from blocks of aluminum on one end of the plant and finished outboard motors coming out the other, Jim was able develop a true understanding of process chemistry. Starting a specialty chemical company of his own in 1983, he and a partner grew Chemical Technologies, Inc. at an exponential rate. His products gained the reputation of quality in the industry. However, in 1997, Jim and his partner sold this company and retired from the industry. This break proved to be what Jim needed to look at the industry differently. The success of ozone in various facets of the manufacturing industry (cooling towers, boiler, etc) intrigued Jim. He experimented with the use of ozone and how it would react with a metalworking fluid, which had not be tried before. Ozone had a much different effect on the bacteria than typical metalworking biocides. Common biocides such as Kathon had been used to treat and kill bacteria, however, they still left the remaining cell intact. Ozone killed the bacteria, causing cell lysing. Cell lysing is a process that attacks the cell at the nucleus and completely destroys it. Through long hours of research, Jim was able to determine that he needed to use raw materials that were not readily oxidized. Jim's testing proved his formulated product was compatible with ozone. This was an innovative approach to the common problems of bacteria in the metalworking industry. Through this process, Innovative Chemical Solutions was launched.