Monson Companies Launch eMonson.com: e-Commerce Site Backed by 35 Years of Chemical Distribution Service

Business Wire, May 3, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

LEOMINSTER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 2000

The Monson Companies today launched an e-commerce Web site that is the first of its kind from an independent chemicals distributor. By introducing eMonson.com (www.emonson.com), the 35-year-old company leads the industry by adapting the practice of established "brick-and-mortar" companies transforming to dominate online e-commerce. Monson is among the top 20 national chemical distributors.

eMonson.com provides a means for customers to order online and extends Monson's ability to provide unique, high-quality services directly to clients. Customers can review past orders, place new orders, check pricing, obtain safety information and have access to Monson's service and support.

"This is a heavily regulated, competitive industry," said Monson CEO Gene McDonald. "Virtual chemical distribution Web sites have been launched, but suppliers are hesitant to completely support a virtual distributor. A properly positioned distributor with both virtual and physical capabilities will be a formidable competitor."

eMonson is part ChemChain (www.chemchain.com), a new industry portal and exchange site bringing competing companies together in a "neutral" industry-focused e-commerce center. While the chemical distribution industry suddenly has many online B2B services courting established companies, ChemChain.com was selected because it allowed The Monson Companies to retain direct relations with its customers as well as its brand identity. ChemChain helped Monson offer convenient online ordering services to customers in less than six weeks. Monson also becomes a member in ChemChain with access to news, product exchanges and even equity in the venture.

"e-Commerce is changing the industry's future competitive mix. To compete in tomorrow's marketplace, companies need distribution networks, systems, and economies of scale. Most virtual distributors are still scrambling to make deals to develop that infrastructure. They don't have state-of-the-art facilities, vehicle fleets, support systems, and staff. With the launch of eMonson.com, their limitations are exposed," said McDonald

About the Monson Companies

The Monson Companies was founded as Monson Chemicals in 1965. In 1985 the company purchased Uni-Gard(R) Products Company, adding packaged automotive chemicals to the product line. In the late 1980's Monson Companies acquired specialty chemical distributors Lovezzola-Ward Company and Washburn-Linder & Company. In the mid-`90's, the Industrial Division of WH Shurtleff was acquired, adding ice-melting and inorganic chemical products. The Monson Companies continues as the leading chemical distributor in the Northeast.

About ChemChain

Chemchain.com was created by business-to-business incubator Oco, Inc. (www.oco-inc.com) of Weston, MA. A systems and site integrator, Oco, Inc. Web-enables existing business systems of manufacturing and distribution companies in four-to-six weeks. Oco is a benevolent partner directing companies to retain control of their brand and customer relationships while bringing the necessary general management and technical expertise to the new online transaction environment. Oco provides fast and powerful integration of existing business systems with the Internet. In addition, Oco creates a new brand - or market maker - for the industries it serves to encourage growth for all members.