Chemico, one of the largest Black-owned chemical management firms, has received a 2022 Overdrive Award from General Motors (GM) at the automaker’s recent 31st annual Supplier of the Year awards event in San Antonio, Texas.

The chemical management firm won for its "out of the box" solution to helium shortages. Chemico specializes in integrated solutions for the entire chemical lifecycle — from procurement to on-site inventory management to environmentally conscious disposal.

“What an honour it is to receive the 2022 Overdrive award from General Motors,” Leon C. Richardson, president and CEO at Chemico, said in a statement. “This recognition would not have been possible without the lasting collaborative relationship we’ve enjoyed with GM and the unwavering commitment to service, quality, and excellence demonstrated by our team each day.

“This award also illustrates the mission we’ve maintained since 1989 — to add value to our customer’s supply chain, add value to the lives of our employees, and add value to the communities in which we live and work,” he added.

The company was one of the 16 businesses to take home an award. It has previously won awards from 2009–15 and one in 2020.

Chemico has over 50 locations and 450 employees in the U.S. and Mexico. Additionally, it works in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, healthcare, and defence sectors.

Moreover, the company announced a partnership in a statement with DuBois Chemicals, highlighting an opportunity for global growth.