Camco Chemical Has a Formula for Success

“If you go too fast and get out of sequence, you’re going to miss an important step, so we always ask, ‘Is it safe?’ first,” says Hothem. “We produce quality products consistently day in and day out, and if we can do those first two, we’re pretty confident that we’re going to find ways to do it efficiently.”Camco handles liquid chemical packaging from quarter-pound pouches to various liquid bottle sizes and styles.Camco Chemical.

Handling dry and liquid product

Camco has 25 packaging lines across its dry and liquid filling operation. Camco packages a broad range of products, from quarter-pound pouches of liquid to various liquid bottle sizes and styles, as well as industrial containers such as pails, drums, totes, tank trucks, and rail cars.

To meet the diverse needs of its customers across a range of markets, Camco has partnered with leading equipment suppliers over the years to maximize its flexibility, quality, and operational performance. Those equipment partners include All-Fill, Viking Masek, Inline Filling Systems, Crandall, Sure-Kap, Pack West, Universal Labeling, Nita, Wipotec, Enercon, Wexxar Bel, Keyence, Combi, and many others.

Camco’s investments over the years remain focused on maximizing flexibility while delivering consistent outcomes of service and quality for its customers, says Hothem.

“We blend and package everything from water-thin glass cleaners to high-viscosity waxes,” says Hothem. “Our flexibility is a huge advantage.”Camco’s OEM partners include Viking Masek, who supply a vertical form/fill/seal bagger.Camco Chemical

Expecting the unexpected

Camco’s ability to pivot quickly has made it a trusted partner for brands facing urgent challenges. Hothem remembers an automotive client whose previous contract manufacturer shut down, leaving them scrambling to relocate production for 30 different products within 12 weeks.

Camco stepped in, built out a dedicated manufacturing space, secured bulk storage, and set up fully operational packaging lines before the deadline. “We move as fast as our customers need us to,” says Hothem. “But it starts with structured planning and a collaborative approach to understand the requirements, needs, and pain points, and develop solutions that will result in long-term, safe, quality product.”

Another client, a Fortune 500 company, needed to shift the production of 130 products in just 90 days. Camco successfully onboarded the entire portfolio, validating each product’s manufacturing process with a meticulous approach working hand-in-hand with the customer. “We believe in going slow to go fast,” says Hothem. “That’s how you ensure quality and consistency at scale.”

Living the business

At the core of Camco’s success are its people. With 200 full-time employees complemented by contract workers, the company fosters a culture of internal growth and development. Hothem recounts the story of an employee who started as a contract worker more than 30 years ago and now serves as vice president of purchasing. “He’s lived every part of this business,” says Hothem. “That kind of institutional knowledge is irreplaceable, and we are fortunate to have a number of 25-plus year employees across our entire operation that have helped Camco become what it is today.”

Joe Bricking, Director of Business Development, brings a unique perspective, having transitioned from a large corporate environment to Camco’s family-owned structure. Rather than pushing a sale that doesn’t fit, Bricking says Camco prioritizes the customer.

“Relationships here are different,” he says. “If something isn’t a good fit for the customer, we’re upfront about it. That kind of honesty builds long-term partnerships.”

Camco looks ahead

Hothem says more customers are coming to Camco with requests for sustainable packaging options. Camco’s vast portfolio and experience mean that it can help brands transition to post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, alternative packaging materials, and more sustainable chemical formulations on existing equipment. As any good co-man would, Camco also keeps a close eye on regulations, proactively adapting to shifts to ensure its processes align with changing environmental and safety standards.

Looking ahead, Hothem says e-commerce fulfillment is a key growth focus for Camco. With its expanded facilities, Camco sees itself as ready to take on the challenge of streamlining direct-to-consumer and Amazon-ready packaging solutions.

“E-commerce presents an exciting opportunity for us,” says Hothem. “Consumers want products faster, and brands need partners who can keep up. That’s where we come in.”

Along with its capabilities and experience, Camco’s location in Northern Kentucky—just 10 miles from Cincinnati—offers a strategic advantage, Hothem says.

“We are blessed to have been founded and grown in this region where a strong product and brand ecosystem combined with the infrastructure for chemicals manufacturing and modern-day logistics and fulfillment enable Camco to continue to best serve the needs of our customers.”

Camco Chemical’s commitment to agility, trust, and quality has made it a preferred partner for some of the biggest brands in the world. As the industry shifts toward more flexible, responsive supply chains, Camco is well-positioned to lead the charge—quietly, but powerfully.