Cornelius, an independent European manufacturer and distributor of chemicals, raw materials and ingredients for the industrial manufacturing sector, has strengthened its Performance Chemicals team with two new appointments: John Wilkins has joined the team as Area Sales Manager and Laura Herrod has been appointed Sales Executive. The duo will focus on broadening the customer base for Cornelius raw materials across a wide range of additive solutions in paints & coatings, plastics & rubber, construction chemicals and performance materials. 

John has more than 24 years’ experience in coatings for the decorative, industrial and wood finish markets and extensive knowledge of various composites, gel coats, resins and adhesives. He joins Cornelius from Scott Bader where he was a Research and Development Chemist.

Laura, who graduated with a BSc Honours in Natural Sciences last year, has joined Cornelius from Herts Insurance, where she was Senior Customer Service Advisor. Laura has more than three years’ experience in customer service and a strong record in retaining business and up-selling additional products.

Commenting on the new appointments, Jason Fitzgerald, Business Manager at Cornelius, said: “We are delighted to welcome both John and Laura to Cornelius. John’s experience with most of the products we sell will be instrumental to the team and Laura’s customer service expertise and knowledge from her chemistry-based degree will drive our Performance Chemicals business forward as we execute our growth strategy.”

The Performance Chemicals business is part of the wider Cornelius Group Plc, a leading independent European manufacturer and distributor of branded and own brand raw materials, ingredients and speciality chemicals for the health and nutrition, personal care and industrial markets.