DIRECTOR: LEIGH SMART
Leigh Smart is a highly respected leader in Australia’s chemical manufacturing and transport industries, with more than five decades of experience spanning business leadership, dangerous goods, food safety, quality management and transport safety.
A graduate of Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Leigh began his career with Dairy Farmers Co-operative before becoming Quality Control Manager with Peters Milk. In March 1973, he founded Formula Chemicals (NSW) Pty Ltd and has remained actively involved as the company’s Director throughout its more than 53 years of continuous operation.
Throughout his career, Leigh has played a significant role in advancing safety, quality and regulatory standards across the chemical and transport industries. He has served on Standards Australia committees covering dairy detergents, sanitizers and food industry chemicals, worked as an accredited WorkCover NSW Dangerous Goods Consultant, and contributed to national chemical security, dangerous goods and transport policy initiatives.
Leigh has also made an outstanding contribution to the Australian trucking industry. He served as a Small Fleet Representative on the Australian Trucking Association Council, was Chairman of Road Freight NSW, chaired its Dangerous Goods Subcommittee and represented the industry on national transport committees. He has consistently advocated for practical safety improvements, stronger industry standards and the adoption of new technology.
A strong supporter of innovation, Leigh was an early adopter of electronic work diaries, with Formula Chemicals participating in the Teletrac Navman EWD Early Adopters Program in 2020. His commitment to safety, compliance and innovation has helped position Formula Chemicals as a progressive leader within the chemical manufacturing and transport sectors.
Leigh’s contribution to the industry has been recognised through numerous awards and honors. These include the 2018 Road Freight NSW Outstanding Contribution to NSW Trucking Award, the 2019 Australian Trucking Association Outstanding Contribution to the National Trucking Industry Award, and the 2025 NatRoad Ted Pickering Memorial Award for his outstanding lifelong contribution to the trucking industry.
In 2025, Formula Chemicals was also recognised with the Road Freight NSW Safety Culture Award, followed in 2026 by the Workforce Award at the Australian Trucking Industry Awards.
Leigh Smart’s career is defined by leadership, innovation, safety and service. From establishing Formula Chemicals in 1973 to contributing to national industry standards and transport policy, he has made a lasting contribution to both the business he founded and the wider Australian chemical and transport industries.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: KIMBERLIE SMART
Kimberlie Smart has been an integral part of Formula Chemicals since 1999 and has now contributed almost three decades of dedicated service to the company. During this time, Kimberlie has developed extensive knowledge and experience across many areas of the business, including Administration Management, Accounts Payable, Account Management, Marketing, Quality Systems and Production Scheduling.
This broad operational experience has given Kimberlie a comprehensive understanding of the business and its customers, suppliers and workforce. She brings this knowledge to her current role as Chief Financial Officer, where she works closely with senior leadership while overseeing the company’s day-to-day financial and operational responsibilities.
Kimberlie also plays an important strategic role in supplier management, establishing and maintaining relationships with suppliers who meet Formula Chemicals’ key criteria of Quality, Supply and Cost. Her ability to balance commercial considerations with operational requirements has contributed to the company’s continued efficiency and long-term stability.
Kimberlie’s contribution has also been recognised through a number of significant industry achievements. In 2017, Kimberlie and Leigh Smart were finalists in the Australian Road Safety Awards in Melbourne, receiving recognition as finalists in both the Community Program Award and School Programs Award categories. In the same year, Kimberlie was also a finalist in the Women in Industry Awards in two categories — Excellence in Manufacturing and Safety Advocacy Award.
In 2025, Kimberlie was again recognised at the National Trucking Industry Awards in Adelaide, where she was a finalist for the prestigious National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year award.
As one of Leigh Smart’s daughters, Kimberlie has played a significant role in the continuing development of Formula Chemicals. Her extensive knowledge of the business, combined with her financial, operational and strategic expertise, has enabled her to make a meaningful contribution to innovation, business improvement and the long-term strategic direction of the company.
With almost 30 years of service, Kimberlie represents an important part of Formula Chemicals’ history, leadership and continued growth.
OPERATIONS MANAGER: SHANE MCLOUGHLIN
Shane McLoughlin joined Formula Chemicals in 2016 as a valued member of the chlor-alkali production team. Since that time, Shane has demonstrated strong leadership, technical capability, and a commitment to operational excellence, leading to his promotion to Production Manager in 2017. In this role, he was responsible for production planning and scheduling, while liaising with key clients including BP, Castrol, and ED Oates to coordinate toll blending operations.
Following his continued contribution to the business, Shane was recently promoted to Operations Manager. In his current role, he oversees all operational functions across the organisation, including production, logistics, stock control, and quality assurance, while continuing to lead and support the production team.
Shane ensures the business maintains compliance with all regulatory requirements, including Dangerous Goods site protocols and Chain of Responsibility legislation. As a member of the Management Team, he plays a key role in driving safe work practices, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement across the company.
Shane has further strengthened his leadership capability through the completion of a Diploma in Leadership and Management at the Australian Pacific College.
TRANSPORT MANAGER: SKIPPY LIPANO
Skippy Lipano joined Formula Chemicals in October 2019 as a forklift driver in the front yard. He quickly demonstrated his capability and commitment, progressing into the Transport Department in August 2020, where he took on the dual responsibilities of Transport Manager, Allocator and Production Supervisor.
Skippy plays an integral role within the business, supporting the effective coordination of transport activities while also contributing to production operations and the implementation of safe work practices across both areas.
Skippy has continued to strengthen his skills and professional capability through the completion of Transport Scheduler Training, Dangerous Goods Licence requirements and Fatigue Management Training with Kell’s Training. He also holds a Heavy Rigid Vehicle (HR) licence, further enhancing his understanding of heavy vehicle operations and transport requirements.
EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Michael Hall
Michael Hall joined Formula Chemicals in 2012 to lead the Engineering & Equipment Division, bringing with him a strong background in Electrical Engineering and extensive technical expertise, problem-solving capability and practical industry knowledge.
Since joining the business, Michael has played a key role in the design, development, installation and implementation of in-house equipment, systems and infrastructure. His work has included the development of specialised filling equipment, solar power installations and LED lighting solutions, helping Formula Chemicals improve efficiency, reliability and sustainability across its operations.
Michael also works closely with the business to develop customised engineering solutions to meet specific operational and client requirements. His ability to identify practical solutions and design equipment to suit individual applications has strengthened Formula Chemicals’ internal technical capability while also enhancing the company’s ability to provide tailored solutions to customers.
Through his technical leadership and innovative approach, Michael has become an important part of Formula Chemicals’ ongoing development, supporting the business in improving its equipment, infrastructure, efficiency and overall operational capability.
HR & COMPLIANCE MANAGER: Graham Thompson
Graham Thompson joined Formula Chemicals in 2022 and is a key member of the Management Team, playing a central role in promoting and implementing safe work practices across the organisation.
In his role, Graham leads all aspects of Health, Safety, and Compliance, ensuring staff are appropriately trained and supported across a range of operational requirements. This includes coordinating and delivering training in areas such as Forklift Operations, Confined Spaces, First Aid, and NHVAS modules including Basic Fatigue Management (BFM), Mass, and Maintenance.
Graham is responsible for the implementation and ongoing management of the Formula Chemicals (NSW) Pty Ltd Policy and Procedure Handbook, as well as providing performance management and support to team members across the business. He also assists in the preparation and submission of tenders, contributing to business development and client engagement activities.
He plays an active role in both internal and external audits, contributing to the company’s compliance with SAI Global ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards, NHVAS accreditation, TruckSafe, Clean Fleet, and various customer and supplier audit requirements.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR: SIMONE WILLOUGHBY
Simone Willoughby has been a valued member of Formula Chemicals for many years, bringing extensive experience, knowledge and dedication to the business. Throughout her tenure, Simone has developed extensive capability across all areas of office administration, providing critical support to the organisation’s daily operations.
Simone works closely with management and staff across the business, providing continuity, organisation and administrative support across a wide range of functions. Her extensive knowledge of Formula Chemicals’ systems, procedures and day-to-day operations has made her a highly reliable and trusted member of the team.
Over her many years with the company, Simone has witnessed and supported the growth and development of Formula Chemicals, adapting to changes in technology, systems, processes and business requirements. Her experience and understanding of the organisation provide valuable institutional knowledge and contribute to the smooth and efficient operation of the business.
Simone’s long-standing commitment, reliability and dedication have made her an important and respected member of the Formula Chemicals team. Her contribution reflects the company’s strong culture of loyalty, stability and developing people from within the organisation.
CHEMIST: RITA SELLARS
Rita Sellars works with Formula Chemicals as a Consultant Chemist, forming an important part of the company’s extended technical team. Rita brings extensive industry experience and provides valuable technical, product development and commercial support across the business.
Her expertise encompasses customer service, new product development and contract manufacturing, enabling Formula Chemicals to respond effectively to customer requirements and develop innovative, practical and high-quality solutions. Rita works closely with the business to provide technical guidance and apply her extensive industry knowledge to product and manufacturing requirements.
Throughout her career, Rita has worked with a number of major organisations, including Ciba Geigy, Bronson & Jacobs and Jalco. These roles have provided her with a broad understanding of the chemical and manufacturing industries, together with extensive practical experience in product development, technical support and commercial applications.
Rita’s academic qualifications reflect the breadth of her expertise. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry), Diploma in Scientific Practice, Diploma in Cosmetic Science and Bachelor of Arts (Business Management). This combination of scientific, technical and business qualifications allows Rita to bring both strong technical expertise and commercial understanding to her role with Formula Chemicals.
As a member of the extended technical team, Rita contributes valuable knowledge and experience that supports quality, innovation, product development and customer outcomes, further strengthening Formula Chemicals’ technical capability.