Balchem Corporation Announces The Addition Of New Directors

NEW HAMPTON, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Balchem Corporation (Nasdaq:BCPC) announces the addition of Paul D. Coombs and David B. Fischer as directors. These additions coincide with the retirement of Kenneth Mitchell, effectively expanding the Board of Directors to seven.

Mr. Coombs, retired since 2008 from Tetra Technologies, Inc. (NYSE), a global provider of oil and gas production and exploration services, has over thirty years experience in the oil and gas industry. At Tetra Technologies, Mr. Coombs served in various roles, including Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Coombs is currently a director of Tetra Technologies.

Mr. Fischer is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Greif, Inc. (NYSE), a supplier of industrial packaging systems. He joined Greif in 2004 to lead their Industrial Packaging & Services – Americas, and was appointed COO in 2007. He has been integral in developing the strategy and successful execution of various Greif operations, including facilitation of numerous acquisitions, strategic divestitures, consolidations and business integrations. Prior to Greif, Mr. Fischer was with Dow Chemical Company for over 18 years, where he most recently had been the Business Vice President for the $1.8B polyurethane business.

Mr. Coombs is appointed to the Audit and Corporate Governance Committees, and Mr. Fischer is appointed to the Audit and Compensation Committees. Dino A. Rossi, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Balchem Corporation stated, "Both David Fischer and Paul Coombs bring significant individual and industry experience that will undoubtedly contribute to our overall growth strategy. Mr. Coombs will be of particular assistance as we focus on the development and supply of products to the industrial, oil and gas industry. Mr. Fischer's chemical industry background, international operations insight and leadership will strengthen our ability to compete and grow on a global basis."