NEWS
MANUFACTURING CARES: KUEHNE COMPANY HELPING FEED HUNGRY NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS
This local Manufacturer Donates $5,000 to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey
Since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the United States, news became grim. Manufacturers in New Jersey were able to remain open, but only through the combined efforts of the entire industry and the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP). Besides the bit of good news that New Jersey would consider all manufacturing “essential”, there haven’t been many stories highlighting the resilience of the industry and the kindness of the community.
Kuehne Company, a manufacturer in New Jersey was able to add some beauty to an ugly situation. They produce industrial chemicals like bleach, caustic soda, and chlorine. This manufacturer gave back in an amazing way. The company raised $5,000 for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey through the ‘Manufacturing Cares’ food drive. Every dollar donated equals three meals. Over 15,000 meals will be able to be distributed through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey because of their efforts.
There are thousands of New Jersey residents that go hungry each day. Many of which are children. During times of crisis, it’s easy to forget about this underserved community. When companies like Kuehne and NJMEP combine efforts, incredible contributions are possible.
NJMEP spoke with William Paulin, Co-President of Kuehne to see why the company felt so strongly about giving back to their local community.
Q: What made your company want to put in so much effort behind this initiative?
A: Kuehne has always been in the community servicing industry. Our products ensure that New Jersey, as well as Mid-Atlantic and southern New England regions residents, have clean drinking water. Therefore, when NJMEP let us know that there was a substantial need at the New Jersey Food Bank we felt compelled to provide financial assistance.
Q: Do you want to highlight any efforts from individuals on your team?
A: Kuehne has always been very proud to be part of the first responders for hazardous spills in Region 1 vis Chlorep Emergencies. Annually our emergency response team sends trainers as well as receives training at the Mississippi Fire Academy. Kuehne is chair of the Chlorine Institutes packaging committee as well as being part of its board of directors. Kuehne wants to thank all of the mission-critical workers for continuing to come to work every day to produce and deliver the products to the region ensuring that there is uninterrupted healthy drinking water.
Kuehne is not a stranger to giving back. Paulin stated, “Kuehne has provided financial assistance to the local police and fire department for a rescue boat and to assist with funding a new fire engine. Kuehne has adopted a section of a highway in New Castle Delaware. Last year, for Kuehne’s 100 Year Celebration, we packaged personal care bags for the military. Beyond what Kuehne has done in the past, currently, there appears to be a need for disinfectant cleaners at hospitals. Kuehne was approached by a CCNJ member to provide bleach and they would package it to distribute to hospitals at no cost. Kuehne is reaching out to other partners in CT and DE to see if there is a need as well.”
Up to this point, this Manufacturing Hero committed $5,000 to NJMEP Manufacturing Cares Food Drive. They have hopes of making another contribution in May for the same amount. These contributions are invaluable. The Community FoodBank of New Jersey equates every $1 donated to 3 meals for a person in need. Through this donation Kuehne alone was able to contribute 15,000 meals to food insecure New Jerseyeans.
Paulin’s passion for helping support his local community was evident. He explained that this is not the first nor the last charitable contribution the company would make. “Kuehne has been a family-owned, New Jersey-based company for 100 years and has always believed in community and family. Knowing that community and family are most important, it is the civic duty of Kuehne to provide assistance to our local communities when there is a need. Kuehne will continue to do its part through this unprecedented need,”.
Manufacturing businesses all throughout New Jersey are stepping up in a variety of ways. Some are retooling to manufacture Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the healthcare industry, others are contributing to their local food pantries, and all are working to keep their business open ensuring that the economy continues forward. New Jersey manufacturers, especially those part of the complimentary ‘Made in New Jersey’ program have been highlighted as MFG Heroes since the pandemic began. Kuehne is the embodiment of what makes up a MFG Hero and NJMEP is grateful for the work they continue to do.
Over the past year, the Manufacturing Cares Food Drive has raised over $21,000 in support of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. These funds have provided tens of thousands of meals for hungry New Jersey residents, many of whom are children. Anyone can contribute to the Virtual Food Drive. For more information on how to help, visit this link and get started.
Kuehne Showcase
Paul Taubler
Paul Taubler, Manager of Regulatory Affairs, retired after 25 years with Kuehne. Paul was instrumental in maintaining our relationships with the Federal, State and Local agencies and keeping Kuehne in compliance with the plethora of evolving regulatory changes. Paul was a key figure in the growth of Kuehne’s transportation fleets, and especially in the barging operations where Kuehne maintained three vessels for movements associated with sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda and castor oil. Paul is pictured on the left being presented a picture of the CASOH barge, and an aerial photo of the expanded South Kearny, New Jersey plant by Co President Rich Wilkes. The photos are surrounded by the signatures and best wishes of various Kuehne employees.
A retirement luncheon was held on July 10th surrounded by some of Paul’s coworkers. Those who attended the luncheon enjoyed a great meal, fellowship, shared stories of days past, and presented Paul with some parting gifts.
On behalf of all Kuehne employees, we wish Paul the best and a healthy and happy retirement.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Senate President Steve Sweeney visits Kuehne Chemical Company
Kearny – Senate President Steve Sweeney toured the Kuehne Chemical Company today, a 100-year-old manufacturing company headquartered in Kearny, NJ. In addition to the New Jersey location, the company also has facilities in New Castle, DE, and New Haven, CT, and employs more than 150 people.
Kuehne is considered critical for the state’s infrastructure needs because it supplies sodium hypochlorite for the potable water and waste water treatment facilities. Its products are used primarily to sanitize water in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southern New England regions. The facility has been commended in recent years for its dedication to becoming more environmentally friendly through constructing a brine-to-bleach plant in Kearny, and for reducing the company’s chlorine consumption by 90 percent. In addition, the brine-to-bleach plant dramatically reduces its carbon footprint by using a by-product to offset the natural gas needed in order to run the plant’s boilers.
“New Jersey has a water quality crisis, but the products from the Kuehne Company positively impact the quality of life for roughly 30 million people, providing them with sanitized and safe water that is fit for drinking,” said Senate President Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “It is remarkable to see a company of this size working to protect the environment by making its process as clean as possible while still benefitting tens of millions of people. Their progress is a model for industries across the state. It is imperative that we continue to support businesses that not only benefit our citizens, but our state’s environment as well.”
Within New Jersey alone, Kuehne products affect New Jersey residents in: Camden, Cape May County, Middlesex County, Trenton and Jersey City. Currently, the company is unable to take advantage of the Urban Enterprise Zone Manufacturing Sale and Use Tax exemption for electricity due to their significantly automated manufacturing process. In addition, the Board of Public Utilities is also considering removing their exemption from Renewable Portfolio Standards.
“We are incredibly proud of the progress this company has made over the last few years in an effort to become more sustainable for the future,” said Bill Paulin, Co-President of Administration and Finance at Kuehne Company. “Our ultimate goal is to continue to provide healthy drinking water to New Jersey residents because everyone deserves to have clean, safe water. We were grateful the Senate President visited us today so we could give him a first-hand tour of the progress that has been made in recent years towards making our work more inherently safe and environmentally friendly.”