The Chemical Concepts Story – A Short History

Chemical Concepts LogoFounded in 1960 out of Lois and C. Kenneth Zelle’s home, the very roots of Chemical Concepts, some 58 years after the fact, are still intact and in motion more so than ever. Finding a niche with pumps and dispensing equipment early in its business life, the company transitioned into high end adhesives in the early 1960’s after partnering with adhesives market stalwart, Lord Corporation.

Known as ‘Airdraulics’ for its first several years as a business, it was re-named Chemical Concepts as its product lines were expanded and it began to distribute adhesives and related products from a number of manufacturers. The new name proved to be a better fit as Chemical Concepts climbed the ranks of adhesives and specialty chemical suppliers nationwide.

In 2006 Chemical Concepts moved into its present home in Huntingdon Valley, PA after acquiring a similar company and its facilities. The new facility made it possible to grow, both in expanding its distribution base and product suite, and adding staff persons to field the tasks associated with more products and more customers.

Today, Chemical Concepts is positioned as a premier business to business distributor of adhesives, silicone, specialty chemicals and fasteners. Its CounterBalance, Chem-set, and Turf-Set brands prove also that the Chemical Concepts team can pioneer and create industry standard products that meet the demands of markets like that of countertop fabrication, construction, synthetic turf, maintenance & repair, and more.

Nearing 58 years of service, today’s Chemical Concepts team remains devoted to high quality products and a caliber of customer service that exceeds the expectations of its loyal customers. In addition to fine service and top notch products, the Chemical Concepts team is committed to environmentally conscious industry solutions through its green business initiatives.

Chemical Concepts Office

Our Mission

A family owned business with strong business ethics, Chemical Concepts strives to treat its customers and employees with respect and honesty. Chemical Concepts provides innovative solutions supplied by a knowledgeable staff of sales professionals that constantly update their skills with training, experimentation and the study of proven methods used in practice. Using the latest technology, Chemical Concepts connects with its customers, providing expert advice, creative solutions, quality products and reliable and speedy service.  

Our Sales Team

Our five person sales team, led by Sales Manager, Craig Zelle, owns many decades of experience, collectively, and can not only guide customers in buying the right product for the job, but walk them through the process and answer questions along the way. You can reach any member of the sales team by phone or email.

General Sales Contact info: 800.220.1966 – [email protected]

Tradeshow crowd around the Chemical Concepts booth

Why our customers stick with us.

It’s one thing to have good salespeople, but it’s another thing altogether to have a team committed to serving its clients faithfully. Friendly customer service, standard setting products, and expert advice have all remained company-wide mainstays since its inception in 1960. This principle, which Chemical Concepts has pursued since the very beginning, is why our customers tend to “stick with us.”