Allchem International Ltd was founded in 1988 by Franz Smet who was raised and educated in Germany.
From humble beginnings the company has undergone steady growth over the last 2 decades to be the current success it is. The ethos of Allchem International Ltd reflected the attitude of the MD in building lasting relationships with valued Principals that have strengthened over the years under the motto of ‘Your Link with Quality & Service’. Although Allchem International is now ACI Group Ltd, this commitment to quality and service is still uppermost in providing product value to both suppliers and customers alike.

Franz is very enthusiastic about the new ACI Group Ltd approach and embraces the Naturis approach in his own lifestyle. He also advocates an innovative approach in the business, the Flomac material handling system being an excellent example of innovative thinking within the company

Tony graduated from Oxford with a BA (Hons) in Physics, and then subsequently chose to apply his analytical, problem-solving skills to the world of Finance. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Ernest Francis, and working at top-20 firm Haines Watts, Head Office in Slough, he decided to venture into Industry with Allchem 12 years ago.

Since then, Tony has developed and evolved the management information and financial control systems, to support the growth of the business, and ensure a healthy and solid financial base, whilst also allowing rapid decision-making leaning towards taking balanced, profit-generating risks. Together with Tony’s strong legal understanding and profit focus, he brings an additional commercial dimension to the Allchem team, to ensure the business can do what it needs to do, to move forward.

Markus graduated with a B.A.(Hons) Business Studies with German, specialising in Marketing. He put these skills to good use in the Marketing departments of both Bosch Power Tools in Germany and South Africa before joining ACI Group Ltd in 1999 and again in 2005. Markus has also run his own business and worked for Yell Group Ltd where he managed sales support for a 2000 strong sales force.

Markus formalised the Marketing function within the business and increased the customer-centric focus. Market research provided key pointers on future market trends and how Allchem International should position itself to take full advantage. Markus is the driving force behind the launch of the Naturis brand, the re-positioning of Allchem Performance and Flomac Solutions in the market and re-branding the company ACI Group Ltd and brings his characteristic enthusiasm to future strategy.

Allan joined ACI Group Ltd over 10 years ago and has been instrumental in bringing service excellence to our logistics.
Prior to this, Allan was involved for 15 years with various companies transporting products across Europe, Africa and the Far East. When he joined ACI there were a base of good manufacturers with excellent products and a growing customer base. In order to support continued growth, Allan introduced a robust, market leading supply chain management structure and service level.

Allan has been steadily developed operations and today, ACI Group Ltd work very closely with both Principals and Customers to ensure that they can always offer the best fit solution to support particular requirements. Three years ago, the company achieved ISO 9001/2000 status and strives for continuous improvements in service levels resulting in a 99.3% on time, in full (OTIF) delivery schedule to Customers in 2006.

After obtaining an MSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology, Gary worked for the South African Sugar Association for four years as a Research Fellow and SABMiller for 7 years as a Technical and QA Manager.
After receiving an MBA, Gary then joined a Management Consultancy for 2 years helping other businesses to develop followed by working as the International Marketing & Sales Manager dealing with Antioxidants in the International Market for AECI (African Explosives and Chemical Industries).

In 2004, Gary moved to the UK and joined Allchem International as the Food Technical Sales Manager and then Commercial Development Executive. The development of the Naturis brand highlighted Gary’s skills in both identifying the correct product portfolio needed to implement the new strategy and his abilities to develop and maintain excellent relationships with Suppliers. This proactive approach has ensured Naturis can provide the innovation needed by customers to meet market demands.