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ATLANTA, April 2, 2012 – Huber Specialty Hydrates, LLC (“HSH”), a subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation (“Huber”), announces it has acquired the specialty hydrate flame retardant business of Almatis, Inc. (“Almatis”) located in Bauxite, Arkansas. The acquisition includes the Bauxite, Arkansas specialty hydrate manufacturing operation and all product grades under the Hydral® and SpaceRite® brands.
“The addition of the Almatis specialty hydrate business located in Bauxite is another exciting step in the growth of Huber’s Fire Retardant Additive business, as we continue to strengthen our portfolio of non-halogen flame retardant offerings,” says Jerry Bertram, Vice President and General Manager of the Industrial Mineral business of Huber Engineered Materials (“HEM”), a division of Huber. “HEM entered into a tolling arrangement over a year ago with Almatis to sell, market and provide technical service support for its specialty hydrates. With the outstanding success of that venture, we expect a smooth ownership transition.”
The Hydral and SpaceRite products will continue to be manufactured in Bauxite and all product specifications will remain the same. Since the tolling arrangement began in December 2010, HEM has been building strong relationships globally with a number of companies seeking specialty hydrate flame retardants.
“We look forward to continue working with our specialty hydrate customers, as we have built a strong rapport with them through the original tolling agreement,” adds Bertram. “When combining the Almatis product line with the Kemgard® smoke suppressant product line acquired in 2010 and HEM’s history in fire retardant additives, HEM has built an extensive array of product offerings for a variety of applications.”
HEM has been a trusted supplier of non-halogen flame retardants and smoke suppressants for more than 30 years and produces value-added alumina trihydrate (ATH), magnesium hydroxide (MDH) and molybdate-based products and provides technical expertise for a variety of end-use applications, including fiber reinforced plastics, roofing, silicone rubber, wire and cable and carpet backing.
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About Huber Engineered Materials
Huber Engineered Materials, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, develops engineered specialty ingredients that enhance the performance, appeal and processing of a broad range of products used in industrial, paper and consumer-based applications. Its inorganic expertise has resulted in advancing the art in specialty silica and silicates, alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, barium sulfate and ground and natural calcium carbonate. For more information, see www.hubermaterials.com.
About J.M. Huber Corporation
J.M. Huber Corporation, headquartered in Edison, New Jersey, operates a portfolio of companies with a focus on its core engineered materials businesses. Founded in 1883, today Huber is one of the largest family-owned companies in the United States. The diversified, multinational company creates products that are used in a broad range of consumer and industrial applications, including oral care, personal care, food, beverage, pharmaceuticals and building materials. For more information, see www.huber.com.
About Huber Specialty Hydrates
Huber Specialty Hydrates, headquartered in Bauxite, Arkansas, is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation that exclusively manufactures alumina trihydrate (ATH) at the newly acquired Almatis facility in Bauxite, Arkansas.
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