NPRA changing name to 'better describe focus'

The National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) announced plans to change its name to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) effective in late January. A red, blue, and white logo will accompany the new name. A new web site also is planned.

NPRA had been considering a name change for about a year, NPRA Pres. Charles T. Drevna said during a conference call from Washington, DC, to announce the new name. He noted AFPM will be the fourth name for the organization founded in 1902.

“AFPM will be just as vigorous as NPRA was and is,” Drevna said. “We are proud to be high-tech American manufacturers. We’re proud to keep America moving.” He noted the organization has more than 450 members.

The name change was not intended to diversify the membership base, he said, adding that the new name better describes the organization’s focus. The organization hosted focus groups in four US cities to help determine its new name, he added.

“We provide Americans with jobs, we provide Americans with fuel,” Drevna said. He said the effective date for the name change would be sometime in late January although the group has no specific date yet.