Why the ICIS Top 100 Matters

In the chemical industry, reputation is built on performance, reliability, compliance and consistent stewardship across complex supply chains — not marketing language.

That’s why independent industry benchmarks matter.

The ICIS Top 100 Chemical Distributors ranking, published by ICIS Chemical Business, evaluates distributors globally based on revenue scale, market reach, and industry impact. ICIS tracks global chemical markets in over 120 countries. Inclusion signals more than size — it reflects operational discipline, regulatory alignment, and sustained market relevance in a highly scrutinized industry.

For customers operating in time-sensitive markets such as agriculture, water treatment, energy, and manufacturing, chemical supplier stability is not optional. Reliability directly influences regulatory compliance, operational uptime, and total cost control.

As Jason Jacobus, Vice President, Business Development at Brainerd Chemical, explains: “Brainerd Chemical Company’s recognition in the ICIS Top 100 chemical distributors reflects the strength of our safety culture, our people, and our operational discipline. In markets where disruption has real consequences, reliability is not optional.”

In today’s environment—where supply chain volatility, sustainability expectations, and regulatory complexity continue to intensify—independent, third-party benchmarking provides an objective measure of market presence and operational capability. As Joseph Chang, Global Editor of ICIS Chemical Business, observed, “Tariff uncertainty and resulting macroeconomic volatility has been the key theme this year, creating an environment where chemical distributors can demonstrate their value to both suppliers and customers.” Scale alone is insufficient; it must be matched by stewardship, logistics expertise, and disciplined long-term partnership execution. Industry benchmarks do not define a company’s values; rather, they provide evidence of whether those values translate into consistent, measurable performance.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor of specialty and commodity chemicals serving agriculture, water treatment, energy, and industrial markets nationwide, with integrated packaging, logistics, and regulatory compliance capabilities.

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Time to Switch to PAA?

5 Reasons Wastewater Plants are Switching to PAA in 2026

For decades, chlorine gas and sodium hypochlorite were the undisputed kings of wastewater disinfection. But as we move through 2026, the regulatory and safety landscape has shifted. Between tightening EPA limits on Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) and the rising costs of chemical risk management, plant managers are looking for a more stable, sustainable alternative.

At Brainerd Chemical Company, we’ve seen a surge in municipalities and industrial facilities adopting our Terrastat® line—a specialized PAA equilibrium mixture—to replace aging chlorine systems. Here are the five critical reasons why the “PAA Transition” is no longer a water treatment trend, but a standard for high-performing plants.

1. Elimination of Toxic Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)

Chlorine’s biggest liability isn’t its cost; it’s its chemistry. When chlorine reacts with organic matter in effluent, it creates Trihalomethanes (THMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAAs)—known carcinogens that are strictly monitored by the EPA.

The PAA Advantage: PAA decomposes into simple acetic acid (vinegar), water, and oxygen. It does not create halogenated DBPs. For plants struggling to meet stringent “Total Residual Chlorine” (TRC) limits, switching to PAA often removes the need for costly dechlorination chemicals like sodium bisulfite entirely.

2. Radical Improvement in Employee Safety

Managing chlorine gas requires heavy-duty Scba gear, complex leak detection systems, and high-stakes Risk Management Plans (RMP). Sodium hypochlorite, while safer than gas, is highly corrosive and prone to “off-gassing,” which can cause pump airlocks and hazardous spills.

The PAA Advantage: PAA is a liquid that is stable in storage and does not off-gas in the same manner as bleach. While it still requires proper handling (as any oxidizer does), it significantly lowers the RMP burden and reduces the physical footprint of safety equipment required on-site.

3. Reduced Infrastructure and Maintenance Costs

Chlorine systems are notoriously hard on equipment. The corrosive nature of bleach fumes eats through electrical panels, metal supports, and concrete over time. Furthermore, chlorine requires significant “contact time,” necessitating large, expensive contact chambers.

The PAA Advantage: PAA is a faster-acting disinfectant against specific pathogens. Many plants find they can increase their throughput without expanding their physical footprint because PAA achieves the required “kill” in less time than traditional methods.

Real-World Success: The PAA Shift in Action

  • Case Study: The Mid-South Municipal Facility A municipal plant in the Oklahoma/Arkansas region faced consistent fines for exceeding TRC limits. By transitioning to Terrastat® PAA, they eliminated their dechlorination stage completely. The result? A 22% reduction in annual chemical spend and a 100% compliance record over the first 18 months.
  • Case Study: Industrial Food Processor A large-scale poultry processor was struggling with the high organic load in their pre-treatment water. Chlorine was proving ineffective due to its sensitivity to pH levels. PAA, which remains effective across a wider pH range (3.0 to 9.0), allowed them to stabilize their discharge quality while reducing the amount of chemicals injected by 15%.

4. Environmental Stewardship and Aquatic Safety

Chlorine is highly toxic to fish and aquatic life, even at low concentrations. If a dechlorination system fails, the resulting “slug” of chlorine can cause devastating fish kills in receiving streams.

The PAA Advantage: Because PAA breaks down so rapidly into biodegradable components, the risk to downstream ecosystems is virtually zero. This makes it the preferred choice for plants discharging into sensitive watersheds or recreational waterways.

5. Simplified Regulatory Compliance

With the EPA’s 2026 focus on “Total Water Quality,” the paperwork associated with hazardous chemical storage is increasing.

The PAA Advantage: Using Brainerd’s Terrastat® line of products often allows facilities to stay below certain RMP thresholds that would otherwise be triggered by large-scale chlorine storage. We don’t just ship the chemical; our technical team helps you document the safety transition for your local regulators.

Decision Matrix: Is PAA Right for Your Plant?

Use this checklist to evaluate your current disinfection ROI.

FeatureChlorine/BleachTerrastat® PAA
EPA DBPs (THMs/HAAs)High RiskZero
Dechlorination Required?YesNo
pH SensitivityHigh (Ineffective > 8.0)Low (Effective up to 9.0)
Safety Regs (RMP)ExtensiveMinimal
Equipment CorrosionSevereModerate

The Brainerd Partnership

Transitioning to PAA is a strategic move, but it requires the right expertise. As a leader in high-hazard chemistry, Brainerd Chemical Company provides more than just the molecule. We provide the engineering support to ensure your feed systems are optimized for Terrastat®, ensuring you aren’t over-applying and wasting budget.

Ready to de-risk your plant? Reach out to Derk Pinkerton, Corporate Sales Supervisor – Water Treatment to learn more.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a privately held chemical manufacturer and hybrid distributor specializing in high-hazard chemistries and complex supply chains. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the company operates facilities across the United States and serves customers worldwide.

Media Inquiries

Brainerd Chemical Company

📞 +1 (918) 622-1214

🌐 www.BrainerdChemical.com

Brainerd Chemical Wins Top Workplace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brainerd Chemical Named a Top Workplace in Oklahoma for Fifth Time in Six Years

TULSA, Okla. (2025) — Brainerd Chemical Company has been named a Top Workplace in Oklahoma by The Oklahoman for the fifth time in six years, an honor based entirely on anonymous employee feedback.

The recognition places Brainerd Chemical among a select group of mid-sized organizations consistently recognized for strong workplace culture, employee trust, and leadership effectiveness. Winners are determined through a confidential third-party survey administered by Energage, which measures employee experience across areas such as respect, growth opportunities, empowerment, and work-life balance.

“Stewardship guides how we lead and how we show up for one another,” said Mat Brainerd, chairman and CEO of Brainerd Chemical. “This recognition matters because it reflects how our employees feel about their work, their voices, and the culture we’re building together.”

Brainerd Chemical was recognized in the 35–149 employee category.

Gregg Johnson, human resources director, said the award reinforces the company’s commitment to listening and accountability. “We ask for honest feedback, and we take it seriously. This recognition belongs to our team and the trust they place in us every day.”

Founded more than 65 years ago, Brainerd Chemical manufactures, blends, and distributes specialized chemistries, including high-hazard materials, through a national network of rail terminals and bulk storage facilities. The company serves domestic and international markets with a focus on safety, reliability, and long-term partnerships.

The Top Workplaces award is one of the nation’s most credible workplace recognitions, relying solely on employee survey data rather than nominations or judging panels.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a privately held chemical manufacturer and hybrid distributor specializing in high-hazard chemistries and complex supply chains. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the company operates facilities across the United States and serves customers worldwide.

Media Inquiries

Brainerd Chemical Company

📞 +1 (918) 622-1214

🌐 www.BrainerdChemical.com

Brainerd Chemical’s CARE Program Strengthens Communities

Brief: Brainerd Chemical Company’s CARE Program—Community, Awareness, Respect, and Engagement—turns corporate responsibility into measurable community impact. Across all our facilities, Brainerd employees actively support education, safety, and well-being through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and first responders. From sponsoring STEM scholarships and serving meals with the City Lights Foundation to hosting emergency-preparedness tours and supplying thousands of students with school essentials, CARE reflects Brainerd’s deep commitment to the people and communities.

Building a Culture of Community, Awareness, Respect, and Engagement

At Brainerd Chemical Company, giving back isn’t an afterthought — it’s a guiding principle. Through our CARE Program — Community, Awareness, Respect, and Engagement — Brainerd employees across all six U.S. locations dedicate time, talent, and resources to support the people and places that make our work possible.

From classroom visits to first-responder preparedness tours, the CARE Program demonstrates how a values-driven company can make measurable, human-centered impact — locally and nationally.

Strengthening the Places We Call Home

United Way Tulsa-Area Volunteer Event
In partnership with the Tulsa Area United Way, Brainerd employees recently joined dozens of community volunteers to sort supplies, assemble resource kits, and support local nonprofits. The event reflected Brainerd’s belief that lasting success begins with helping people thrive where they live and work.

Back-to-School Resource Fair Support
Brainerd also contributed thousands of school supplies — scissors, erasers, and activity sheets — to the 8th Annual Back-to-School Resource Fair in Tulsa, ensuring more than 2,000 students started the year with the tools they need to learn and succeed.

Family & Community Festivals
At events like Tulsa Tough, Brainerd turns corporate sponsorship into family fun — hosting games, inflatables, and community activities that connect employees, neighbors, and families in celebration of local pride.

Awareness: Investing in Education and the Next Generation

Seaford Central Elementary Visit
At Brainerd’s Seaford, Delaware facility, team members visited Seaford Central Elementary School to engage with students and teachers — sharing encouragement, delivering classroom resources, and fostering early curiosity in science and technology.

STEM Scholarships Through FOSSI
Brainerd also supports the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) — an American Chemistry Council partnership that provides scholarships and mentoring to underrepresented students pursuing STEM degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Events like Swings for STEM help fund those programs and open pathways into chemical industry careers.

Respect: Serving with Compassion and Integrity

Volunteer Work with City Lights Foundation
In Tulsa, Brainerd employees joined City Lights Foundation in serving meals and providing direct assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness. The effort reinforced Brainerd’s respect for every individual’s dignity — and the belief that businesses can be agents of compassion.

Inclusive Sports & Community Events
Brainerd volunteers also supported Special Olympics Oklahoma by officiating cornhole challenges and cheering on athletes. Through this involvement, employees demonstrated how simple acts of presence and encouragement can create lasting connections.

Engagement: Empowering Preparedness and Safety

First-Responder Safety & Preparedness Tours
Each year, Brainerd opens its facilities to local fire, EMS, and law-enforcement agencies for site walkthroughs and safety briefings. The goal: to ensure responders are familiar with site layouts, equipment, and materials before an emergency ever occurs.

At the Tuttle, Oklahoma plant, these tours have become an annual tradition that strengthens trust between Brainerd and its surrounding community. It’s a model being replicated across all Brainerd sites.

Why CARE Matters

For Brainerd Chemical, CARE isn’t just a program — it’s part of the company’s DNA. Each initiative connects directly to core business values:

  • Safety and Stewardship — embodied through first-responder outreach and community education.
  • Empowerment and Education — shown through STEM partnerships and school engagement.
  • Compassion and Collaboration — reflected in volunteerism and human-service partnerships.
  • Transparency and Trust — built through open communication and consistent presence in local communities.

Brainerd’s CARE Program turns corporate citizenship into meaningful action — demonstrating that the same precision and accountability driving chemical excellence can also drive positive community change.

Join the CARE Movement

Brainerd Chemical invites community partners, educators, first responders, and nonprofits to join the CARE mission. Together, we can create safer, stronger, and more connected communities — one act of care at a time.

👉 Learn more or partner with us: brainerdchemical.com

About Brainerd Chemical Company
Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the nation’s leading chemical manufacturers and distributors, supporting industries from energy and agriculture to water treatment and manufacturing. We combine proven expertise with innovative packaging, logistics, and service solutions to help our partners achieve efficiency, safety, and long-term success.

Highlights from ChemEdge 2025

Louisville, KY – August 18, 2025 — Last week, leaders from across the chemical distribution industry gathered for ChemEdge 2025, one of the year’s most anticipated events hosted by the Alliancefor Chemical Distribution (ACD). The energy was high, the conversations meaningful, and the outlook for the future of our industry brighter than ever.

Brainerd Chemical Company was proud to participate once again as a Platinum Sustaining Sponsor, reaffirming our commitment to supporting the growth, innovation, and safety of the chemical distribution community.

Why ChemEdge Matters

ChemEdge is more than just a conference—it’s a hub where chemical industry professionals come together to:

  • Share knowledge on best practices, regulatory updates, and emerging technologies.
  • Build connections that strengthen our industry network and foster long-term partnerships.
  • Prepare for the future by tackling challenges head-on and identifying opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and growth.

For Brainerd Chemical, these pillars align directly with our mission: to safely supply our customers with the solutions they need, the expertise they want, and the reliability they depend on.

Our Takeaways from Louisville

This year’s ChemEdge offered more than just great sessions and conversations—it highlighted where the industry is headed. Key themes included:

  • Safety as the standard, not the exception. From new regulatory frameworks to practical on-site strategies, safety remains at the core of our industry.
  • Sustainability in action. Companies are finding innovative ways to lower environmental impact while improving efficiency.
  • The power of partnerships. The future of chemical distribution depends on collaboration across the supply chain, from producers to distributors to end-users.

Looking Ahead

We are energized by the insights, connections, and opportunities that came out of ChemEdge 2025. Events like this remind us why our work matters—not just for our company, but for the people, communities, and industries we serve.

As a platinum sponsor, we were honored to support ACD’s mission of advancing a safe, sustainable, and successful chemical distribution industry.

Here’s to another successful ChemEdge—and to building a stronger future, together.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of specialty and commodity chemicals, serving critical industries including energy, agriculture, water treatment, and manufacturing. Our mission is to safely supply the solutions our customers need, the expertise they want, and the reliability they depend on—every single day.

👉 Did you attend ChemEdge 2025? We’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Commitmed to First Responder Preparedness

Tulsa, OK – June 4, 2025 — Brainerd Chemical Company, a national leader in chemical manufacturing and distribution, once again welcomed local first responders to its Tuttle, Oklahoma, facility for its annual safety walkthrough and emergency preparedness tour.

This annual tradition underscores Brainerd’s long-standing commitment to proactive safety measures and strong community partnerships. The event is designed to give emergency personnel a hands-on orientation of the site’s layout, operations, and emergency protocols—ensuring rapid, informed response in the event of an incident.

“At Brainerd, safety isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a core value,” said Jason Jacobus, VP of Business Development. “We believe in empowering our teams and our community partners with the knowledge and resources they need to keep everyone safe.”

At Brainerd Chemical, safety and responsible distribution are fundamental principles shaping our operations. First responder safety tours are a regular part of Brainerd’s operational calendar and take place at all six of the company’s U.S. manufacturing and distribution facilities. Locations in Scooba, MS; Seaford, DE; Danville, IL; Dunn, NC; and Tuttle, OK, each host their own first responder tours to ensure regional emergency teams are well-acquainted with site-specific hazards, layouts, and response plans. These efforts reflect Brainerd’s consistent, company-wide approach to safety and preparedness. It’s a mindset that facilitates consistently safer work environments that far exceed industry standards and lead the way to continuously improving health, safety, security, and environmental procedures in every phase of chemical manufacturing, production, service, storage, handling, transportation and disposal.

The Tuttle event brought together members of local fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies, all of whom play a vital role in the region’s emergency response network. Brainerd Chemical expressed its sincere appreciation for their service and ongoing collaboration.

Brainerd Chemical was recently recognized again as one of Oklahoma’s top workplaces—a testament to its investment in employee safety, innovation, and operational excellence.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

For more than 65 years, Brainerd Chemical has been at the forefront of the specialty chemical industry, providing high-hazard chemistries and advanced blending and distribution solutions. As a hybrid distributor, Brainerd supports clients across diverse sectors with faster, safer, and more sustainable delivery—thanks to its strategically located rail terminals and bulk storage facilities across the U.S.

Media Contact:

Brainerd Chemical Company

1.918.622.1214

www.brainerdchemical.com

Source: Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Again Honored as Top Workplace in Oklahoma

Tulsa, OK Dec 15, 2024 // Brainerd Chemical Company is proud to again be named a ‘Top Place to Work’ in Oklahoma, cementing its reputation as a leader in workplace excellence. Chairman and CEO Mat Brainerd shared, “Stewardship is at the heart of everything we do. It’s the principle that drives us to prioritize people over profits and make decisions based on what’s right, not what’s easy.”

Recognized in the mid-sized company category (35 to 149 employees) by The Oklahoman, this prestigious award highlights Brainerd Chemical’s commitment to fostering a positive, people-centered workplace environment.

2024 Oklahoma Top Workplaces Award

The annual prestigious ‘Top Workplace’ recognition highlights companies that excel in fostering work environments where employees thrive at work and in their personal lives. This accolade is driven entirely by anonymous employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology provider Energage. The confidential survey measures the employee experience including how employees feel respect & support, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute, balanced in work and life and other key areas. Gregg Johnson, Brainerd Chemical HR Director, expressed it best: “This achievement underscores the importance we place on listening to and empowering our team. I am honored to be part of a team that values our employees’ voices and efforts, and this recognition is a testament to everyone’s commitment to creating an exceptional workplace!”

About Brainerd Chemical Company

For over 65 years, Brainerd Chemical has dared to do the challenging work that builds a more sustainable chemical industry by creating, blending and distributing specialized manufactured chemistries. We specialize in supplying high hazard chemistries and their transportation. As a hybrid distributor, we’re transforming the industry, supporting clients with faster, safer and more efficient delivery. Our robust rail terminals and bulk storage warehouses are strategically positioned across the U.S. for domestic and international delivery.

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Brainerd Chemical Company

Source: Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company at ACD 2024

La Quinta, CA, USA // Nov 17th, 2024 — Brainerd Chemical Company connected with other industry leaders at the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) 2024 annual meetings where our team learned about the latest chemical industry innovations and discussed a range of initiatives promoting a safer, more responsible future for the chemical distribution.

The ACD’s annual meetings keep members informed and connected while providing the opportunity for industry leaders like Mat Brainerd to amplify the voices of chemical distribution. With this in mind, Brainerd Chemical was honored to sponsor a lively session with former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson where he offered compelling insights in a conversation with Eric Byer, ACD President and CEO, where they explored future strategies related to trade, tariffs, and collaboration, in light of the geopolitical implications related to President Donald Trump’s election.

ABOUT ACD 2024 ANNUAL MEETINGS

The ACD Annual Meeting is a time when industry leaders, together with their customers and colleagues, learn from each other new ways to lead high performing companies, to improve sales organizations and better understand the challenges facing all of us. These interactions are vital to staying current and energized. Each annual meeting program includes the most qualified and knowledgeable subject-matter experts to ensure attendees get the essential updates, fresh strategies, and practical advice needed by chemical industry professionals.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States. They specialize in manufacturing, blending, packaging, and distributing chemical products across a diverse range of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company.

Brainerd Chemical Supports City Lights Foundation

Tulsa, OK // July 3, 2024 — Brainerd Chemical Company is proud support the meaningful work the City Lights Foundation provides in its mission to build relationships and aid those experiencing homelessness. As June Night Light event sponsors, the Brainerd team volunteered with The City Lights Foundation of Oklahoma to prep and serve hot meals under the bridge.

“Every act of kindness counts” remarked Brainerd CFO Erika Coates, “We are honored to serve and share warm smiles with our neighbors.”  

About The City Lights Foundation

The City Lights Foundation builds relationships and restores community as a nonprofit organization that has been bringing hope and dignity to those experiencing homelessness since 2013 through relational service and dignified housing.

With a mission of ‘loving individuals, giving hope, and touching souls through relational service and dignified housing’, The City Lights Foundation focuses on facilitating support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness by providing comprehensive case management, housing stability services, and mobilizing community events. Over the course of 2023, The City Lights Foundation mobilized 4,700 volunteers, served 20,000 meals to 9,500 guests over 51 nights. Learn more at citylightsok.org

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States. They specialize in manufacturing, blending, packaging, and distributing chemical products across a diverse range of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company, The City Lights Foundation.

Brainerd Champions More Responsible Global Chemical Distribution

Hague, Netherlands // August 26, 2024 // Momentum is gaining as the International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA) plans to launch a Global Responsible Distribution program by the end of 2024 enhancing safety across worldwide chemical supply chains.

The ITCA Global Responsible Distribution program draws inspiration from the ACD Responsible Distribution program developed in the United States by the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD).  The ICTA’s intention is to provide a responsible distribution program in countries where no such industry organization exists. The global program is built on 10 guiding principles and requirements for site sampling and mandatory third-party verification.

Mat Brainerd, President of the ICTA and Chairman of Brainerd Chemical Company, champions positive change from within the chemical industry and was proud to explain, “I’m very proud of the companies that have gotten behind this. It takes a lot of support, both from a financial and human resource perspective, to stand up a robust Responsible Distribution program in all corners of the world. This is a big deal and one that no one else has ever tried before. People need to know it is not chatter anymore; we’re finally doing it.”

Key Elements of Global Responsible Distribution

  • Developed by, and designed especially for, the chemical distribution industry.
  • Mandatory third-party verification.
  • Includes third-party warehouses.
  • Risk-based approach to limit sites to be verified. Incorporates safety, security, and health (SSH) as well as environment, social, and governance (ESG).
  • Differentiates between gold, silver, and bronze.
  • Globally harmonized.
  • No commercial set-up (lower fees, security of data).

The ITCA’s Responsible Distribution program has the potential to drive the chemical industry toward a unified commitment to continuous improvement, setting the highest standards for supply chain safety and promoting sustainable practices worldwide. Through this initiative, supply chain partners across the globe can align their efforts to achieve a safer, more sustainable future for the industry.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States. They specialize in manufacturing, blending, packaging, and distributing chemical products across a diverse range of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company, International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA), the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD).