Why Talent Is a Strategic Priority

Every year, the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) annual meeting offers a clear snapshot of where the industry is headed. But this year, one theme rose above the rest: the companies winning the next decade are the ones investing in people, not just processes.

“In today’s chemical industry, strategy only matters if you have the people who can execute it. Talent, training, and leadership development are now as critical to competitiveness as safety and supply reliability.”
— Matt Brainerd, Chairman, Brainerd Chemical Company

With regulatory pressures reshaping operations, global trade dynamics introducing new volatility, and customers expecting more transparency and responsiveness than ever before, workforce capability has become a true differentiator. The companies developing their people — their judgment, leadership, technical expertise, and communication skills — are the ones building the strongest foundations for growth.

A Competitive Advantage

For decades, the chemical sector has leaned heavily on operational efficiency, footprint, and supply reliability. While these remain essential, the industry’s evolution is forcing an additional layer of capability: talent that can think, adapt, lead, and collaborate in increasingly complex environments.

In this environment, people become the stabilizing force, the problem-solvers who ensure reliability, trust, and resilience even when market conditions shift. That’s why the conversations at ACD focused not only on where the industry is going, but who will lead it forward.

A Path Forward

Brainerd Chemical has long believed that industry leadership isn’t defined by scale, but by the discipline, capability, and character of your people. Talent is a strategic differentiator in chemical distribution as essential as supply reliability and safety performance.

The companies building stronger teams today aren’t just more competitive — they’re building stronger a more resilient chemical industry for tomorrow.

6 Core Acids. One Supply Partner.

Copper refined to high purity using several core industrial acids.

Brief: Discover how the right chemical partner for 6 core industrial acids safeguards workers, protects operations, and ensures process continuity.

Behind nearly every manufactured product, there is a chemical story. Fertilizers that feed the world’s crops, advanced ceramics that make electronics possible, specialty alloys used in aerospace — all of them depend on precise, reliable, and safe access to core industrial chemicals. In today’s environment of supply chain disruption and rising compliance demands, businesses need more than a supplier — they need a partner who delivers consistency, stewardship, and expertise.

Brainerd Chemical Company has built its reputation not simply as a supplier, but as a trusted technical partner. By combining one of the industry’s most comprehensive product offerings with stewardship-driven culture, nationwide logistics, and deep technical expertise, Brainerd supports industries that rely on safe and reliable supply to keep our nation moving forward.

Here’s how Brainerd Chemical helps you protect your supply chain integrity:

Nitric Acid (98+%)

A powerful oxidizer, nitric acid is essential for powder metals and ceramics. From surface treatment and metal finishing to precision applications in electronics and aerospace, Brainerd’s expertise ensures safe, compliant, and reliable supply.

Sulfuric Acid (1–93%)

The largest-volume industrial chemical in the U.S., sulfuric acid is used in fertilizers, refining, and water treatment. Brainerd offers multiple concentrations — all solutions below 80% are GFSI-certified for food contact, giving customers confidence in compliance and stewardship.

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

A strong, versatile acid used for cleaning, pickling, and pH control across industrial applications. With Brainerd’s nationwide network, customers can depend on secure supply even during periods of high demand.

Hydrofluoric Acid (49%, 70%)

A specialized acid vital to the semiconductor, glass, and specialty etching industries. Safe handling is critical — and Brainerd’s packaging and safety culture ensure reduced exposure risk for operators.

Phosphoric Acid (75% FG)

Available in food-grade and industrial-grade, phosphoric acid supports fertilizer production, food processing, and cleaning applications. Certified solutions help customers meet strict food industry standards.

Custom Mixed Acids

Not all applications fit neatly into a standard spec. Brainerd provides tailored acid blends to meet process-specific needs, from corrosion control to specialized production environments.

Why the Right Partner Matters

Industrial manufacturing is under pressure to deliver higher performance with lower risk, tighter safety standards, and stronger environmental stewardship. The difference between a transactional supplier and a technical partner can be the difference between success and failure.

Does your current supplier help safeguard your people, operations, and reputation? Brainerd Chemical does. Safety and reliability aren’t optional, they’re our foundation. We stand apart as a partner committed to powering your progress safely, sustainably, and consistently.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of industrial acids and specialty chemicals. From sulfuric and nitric to hydrofluoric and hydrochloric, we supply the core acids that power energy, agriculture, water treatment, and manufacturing. Backed by decades of expertise, nationwide facilities, and a commitment to safety, Brainerd delivers the reliable supply chain solutions industries depend on every day.