The phrase "Yes, we can!" has once again sparked an exciting new partnership at Monument Chemical.

In October 2024, Astrea Energy – a provider of high-purity specialty materials for a broad range of industries – faced a critical supply chain challenge. Import costs from Asia had sky-rocketed, with iso-container costs in particular increasing four- or even five-fold in a matter of weeks. This problem became even more serious due to lack of availability from normally reliable sources and by the reduced capacities available through the Panama Canal – jeopardizing Astrea’s ability to source Methylcyclohexane cost (MCH), a crucial ingredient in their formulations. With big customers relying on Astrea across multiple applications, they needed a new, reliable supply option – quickly.

Astrea turned to Monument.

A cross-site, cross-business Monument team worked together to leverage process capabilities and fuels expertise – which culminated in a rapid scale up to meet Astrea’s requirements.

“Our ability to move quickly and collaborate across businesses is what sets Monument apart,” said Liam McMillan, Director of Custom Manufacturing, Monument Solvents. “We worked through R&D and quality checks efficiently, ensuring the material met all specifications. Astrea was thrilled, and we’re excited to serve as an extension of their operations and continue growing with them.”

With all sign-offs complete, Monument is now the only domestic manufacturer of MCH – a major advantage in today’s shifting supply chain landscape. MCH is used in a variety of applications critical to the US economy including agrochemicals, synthetic rubber manufacture, high performance coatings applications to protect electronic products and catalyst manufacture – all markets with significant growth potential.

“Methylcyclohexane is a mission critical raw material to our clients, not having it available on demand is quite simply not an option,” said Peter Egan, Managing Partner at Astrea. “Our clients have made their expectations clear, and Monument’s proven capability to manufacture high-purity MCH significantly reduces supply chain risk for a product that, until now, has only been available from overseas.”

“This collaboration demonstrates Monument’s continued focus on bringing effective and innovative solutions to customers’ challenges – quickly and leveraging the formulation and process expertise across our diverse businesses,” said Sarves Peri, VP, Business Leader, Monument Renewables and Fuels.

“As industries push for more high-purity, sustainable ingredients in their formulations, we’re ready,” added Umair Virani, Director of Custom Manufacturing, Monument Renewables and Fuels. “Our custom manufacturing capabilities will continue to allow us to develop a wide range of molecules that help customers achieve their sustainability and growth goals.”

Another challenge accepted, another partnership launched – and Monument is ready for what’s next.