In The News

Coast Southwest, Inc. Achieves NACD On-Site Third Party Verification

Placentia, CA (November 2009) – Coast Southwest, Inc. of Placentia, CA announces that the company has received a certificate of completion from the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) for successful completion of  NACD’s on-site management system verification audit.

The Responsible Distribution Process (RDP) verification is a third-party audit that meets the standards of NACD’s Core Codes of Management Practice.

“As a company, Coast Southwest is committed to the highest standards of responsibility as well as to a program of continuous improvement,” said President Joseph C. Cimo.

“Attaining RDP certification from the NACD indicates that we are achieving our goals,” Mr. Cimo said. “Achieving this milestone sends an important message to our customers and the public about how seriously Coast Southwest considers health, safety, and environmental concerns in view of the potential risks inherent in our industry. RDP makes Coast Southwest a better company immediately and for the long term.”

The RDP on-site third-party verification was conducted by independent, third-party verifiers against a standard protocol based on the RDP Guiding Principles and the NACD Code of Management Practice, which show a commitment for assuring that raw materials purchased and distributed are handled in a safe and compliant manner consistent with the product stewardship expectations of suppliers, customers, and employees.

“The Responsible Distribution Process is a very substantial process that covers all facets of our business,” said David K. Hoff, Coast Southwest director of operations. “Every department was involved in the process. The twelve RDP code sections had department specific operating procedures that really have helped us become a better company.”

The NACD conducts an initial site audit and a follow-up audit every three years. In preparation for the initial audit, Coast Southwest completed a comprehensive profile and Responsible Distribution Process Verification Protocol that included hours of extensive employee training in all departments.

“Coast Southwest’s employees are very supportive and open-minded about accepting this quality management system,” said Mr. Hoff. “It takes time and training to document and learn procedures and then take them back into the workplace and apply them. The NACD RDP process has helped us go to the next level from an overall continuous improvement quality process. Coast Southwest has the quality tools and operating procedures to better respond to both our suppliers and customers changing trends and expectations.”

Coast Southwest, Inc., headquartered in Placentia, CA, is a leading full-service, regional chemical distribution company. From four strategically located distribution centers, Coast Southwest serves manufacturers and formulators of household and personal products throughout the western United States with high-quality functional ingredients, on-time deliveries, and exceptional customer service.

National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD), established in 1971, is an international association of chemical distributor companies that purchase and take title to chemical products from manufacturers. Member companies process, formulate, blend, package, warehouse, transport, and market these chemical products exclusively for an industrial customer base. A member-voted condition of membership in the Association is a signed commitment to the NACD Responsible Distribution ProcessSM (RDP).