By David Reed, UT EditorWilton, Conn ecticut-GE Silicones, part of the General Electric Co.'s Advanced Materials business, has appointed Tri-iso of Claremont, California as sales agent for additives for the west coast polyurethane foam industry.Tri-iso will provide support for GE's portfolio of products, including Niax* silicone surfactants and catalysts, and Geolite* modifiers and tin catalysts in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington State, according to a 3 Jan. statement issued by the GE unit.Established in the 1970s, tri-iso is a specialty chemical distributor focused on formulators of polyurethane and polyurea materials. It offers technical sales support with staff qualified in chemistry or chemical engineering, most have experience in laboratory formulating. The company is a member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors. The growing polyurethane foam industry is an important area for GE.," said Tony Lanchak, global business leader, urethane additives for GE Silicones, in the prepared statement. "Tri-iso's technical expertise in polyurethane chemistry will be a valuable and convenient resource for customers who are looking for support in their selection of polyurethane foam additives," he added. "Tri-iso is well established in the industry," Lanchak continued. "They will be instrumental in educating west coast customers about the capabilities of GE's products through technical seminars and other services. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Tri-iso," he concludedDeb Lysek, vice president of finance and operations at Tri-iso, said, We're proud of our new association with GE and believe the combination of GE Silicones' technology and our local expertise will create value for our joint customers. Together, we intend to exceed customer expectations."Tri-iso will represent Niax silicone surfactants, tertiary amine and organo-tin catalysts, and Geolite modifiers, which are fundamental to the creation of many familiar kinds of polyurethane foam, from flexible to rigid, such as those used in automotive interiors, construction, bedding, carpeting, appliances, and shoes. GE's newest Niax and Geolite products help to reduce fogging emissions from foam. Tri-iso will also represent organo-tin catalysts for foam processes."
