During a congressional hearing on promoting U.S. innovation, competition, and economic growth, Mark Grimaldi, president and CEO of Equinox Chemicals, told lawmakers that updating existing federal standards is crucial to the continued success of specialty chemical manufacturers like Equinox.

The Georgia-based chemical maker, a leader in innovation and research and development, has been a member of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) since 2008.

Testifying before the House Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, Grimaldi credited the U.S. for leading the way in developing globally accepted standards while urging lawmakers to ensure continued collaboration with developing countries as they create standards of their own.

“We have to ensure that other countries do not create unnecessary trade barriers or otherwise use standards to cause unfair competition,” said Grimaldi, who also heads Adco Products. Equinox, which has grown more than 300 percent since 2009, has been investing millions in infrastructure and facilities in recent years.

Grimaldi called on Congress to ensure that federal standards create equal opportunity among domestic and international businesses, involve no excess fees, minimize delays in development and approval, and include intellectual property protection to encourage investment.

In his written testimony, Grimaldi also touted SOCMA’s ChemStewards performance improvement program as paramount in increasing business at Equinox. He also reiterated the importance of having systems, practices and procedures in place that allow chemical manufactures to operate safely and effectively.

For more information on SOCMA, visit www.socma.com.