Member Article

Trio of long-standing managers appointed to board of Mold manufacturer

A Mold manufacturer has promoted three senior managers to new positions on its board.

Synthite, which has been making formaldehyde at its Alyn Works, Denbigh Road, site for 70 years, has appointed the trio to help deliver its long-term plan for operations in the town.

They are: company secretary David Kelso; commercial manager Sana Niazi and operations manager Keith Polden.

David Kelso studied accountancy in Glasgow and worked for a management consultancy firm in Chester, before joining Synthite.

David said: “I believe that the manufacturing sector plays a vital role benefitting both local communities and the UK economy as a whole. The chemical industry and Synthite have had to invest in new processes and technology to remain competitive, and this puts us in a strong position to develop and expand the business.”

Sana Niazi started his career as a lab technician at Courtaulds, Greenfield, while studying part-time for a degree in industrial chemistry, then was a lab development chemist at Warwick International, Mostyn, before joining Synthite in 1989.

He held roles as production managemer, raw materials buyer and business development manager before his current position as general commercial manager, for the chemicals and agricultural side of the business.

Sana said: “In recent years the company has been diversifying into new markets and innovating new products, as well as expanding by acquisition.

“Today we have customers all over the globe, including the USA, Latin America, Middle East, Far East and Russia.”

General manager, operations, Keith Polden, is a former pupil of Holywell High School. He gained a chemistry degree at Durham University. He has worked in the formaldehyde industry for 23 years and joined Synthite in 2004.

His role includes introducing improvements to processes scaling up new products from lab to full manufacture.

Keith said: “Synthite is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of formaldehyde. I’m looking forward to helping the company to diversify and grow further.”

Managing director Kevin Jones said: “David, Sana and Keith have already made valuable contributions. Their expertise will really benefit the company’s long-term strategic development in Mold.”

Formaldehyde is a raw material in the production of many everyday items including furniture, floorboards and interior trim for motor vehicles.

Synthite turned over £51m in 2017 and employs 112 people.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .