Advance Research Chemicals (ARC), one of the world’s largest producers of specialty fluorine and specialty inorganic fluorides, celebrated its 25th year of business in September. The company was founded by Dr. Dayal Meshri in 1987 and now has locations in the U.S., Mexico and India. ARC is headquartered in Tulsa’s Port of Catoosa, and Meshri’s son Sanjay now runs the business for him.
While the physical products produced by ARC are rarely seen by the general public, people likely benefit from them on daily basis. The chemicals produced at ARC’s plants are used in everything from iPods to dryer bars to car washes and even batteries, such as those found in cars that feature automatic tire pressure gauge readings.
Meshri immigrated to the United States 50 years ago. Around that time, he pioneered work in the fluorochemistry industry, and his methods and models for managing and producing highly complex and sensitive chemicals became the gold standard within the industry. He says his years of working within the fluorochemistry field have taught him that consistency is the key to success.
“Many of these chemicals are highly sensitive and must be managed very carefully, if they are to be used in the most effective ways.” he says. “Any small change in temperature or production methods can completely destroy a chemical’s ability to be used in a product, and when a teenager’s iPod is at stake, that can be a major issue.”
While ARC does not physically sell the iPods or have much interaction with end-users, the company prides itself in customer responsiveness and service.
“I tell my employees and staff that when the customer’s needs and wants change, we must know how to change with them,” Meshri says. “Fortunately, as technology expands and customers seek new features or products, inorganic fluorides can help make any of those customers’ desires a reality. The trick is organizing our production in a way that it can be flexible to the market.” ARC has also established a strong reputation within the Tulsa community through the Meshri Family’s commitment to community involvement and philanthropy.
“This business and our family have called Tulsa home for quite some time, and it’s a privilege to give back to the community that has so graciously welcomed us over the years.” says Meshri.
In addition to capital campaign gifts to The University of Tulsa and a major scholarship program at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, one of Meshri Family’s most visible gifts is the park at 31st and Peoria named in honor of Meshri’s late wife, Indu.
“Our company has grown from humble beginnings and we are proud of the technological advances we have made to this industry,” says Sanjay Meshri. “We were founded on the beliefs that if you deliver on safety, quality, service and price, customers and employees will be happy. It’s our mission every day to practice our core beliefs.”
ARC began operation in 1987 in Catoosa, Okla. Today, the company has more than 80 employees in locations in the United States, Mexico and India. It is a family run business that offers the highest ethics, integrity, flexibility and impeccable customer service.