Technically speaking, Tim McNeilly is Chemical Solvents, Inc.’s (CSI) technical director. But he’s probably better known in the industry as the go-to guy for some of the most innovative specialty formulations.

Just don’t ask McNeilly to crow about his professional accomplishments. He likes to keep the discussion to CSI, to its leading goods and services. “Our specialty formulations include superior solvents, as well as aqueous and semi-aqueous based products, such as purging, thinning and metal degreasing and cleaning solvents for numerous plastics and fiberglass materials,” says McNeilly.

More specifically, since joining CSI, McNeilly assisted one customer in converting from 111 trichloroethane to a semi-aqueous cleaner for removal of adhesives and sound deadeners. He also produced a semi-aqueous fiberglass cleaner to replace flammable solvents, made custom blends for paint strippers and paint thinners, and transformed users from hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) to blends with low HAPs. Additionally, McNeilly crafted blends to reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), converted customers from HCFC 141b to more environmentally friendly alternatives, and developed a special heated paint-stripping process safe for use on aluminum.

Solvents are just part of CSI’s success story. Its complete range of services and products includes: commodity chemicals and solvents, hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal, solvent recycling, specialty products washer and degreasing, transportation, technical lab and training and support services.

CSI was founded in 1970 and, up until ‘79, generally supplied chemicals to local manufacturers. About that time, the business added a full-service recycling division to its lineup. But about 12 years ago, company players realized that, to stay ahead of the curve, they’d have to beat the EPA to the punch. Case in point: McNeilly developed an ozone-friendly water-based cleaner as a substitute to ozone-depleting solvents. Such moves clinched CSI’s stature in an industry that’s often one step behind government standards.

CSI is conveniently located in the hub of the greater Midwest industrialized region, on Jennings Road in Cleveland. Its Cincinnati extension will undoubtedly add to CSI’s edge. Blain Davidson, vice president of sales, emphasizes it’s just a matter of months before the facility will be in full swing.