Chem-Trend LP — a maker of molding release agents and purging compounds — has made an acquisition and is expanding its research and development facilities at its headquarters site in Howell, Mich.
No purchase price was disclosed for Leslie, Mich.-based Huron Technologies Inc. The firm's products include polyurethane and rubber release agents, silicone concentrates and PU shoe sole molding release agents.
Chem-Trend officials said in a Sept. 13 news release that Huron provides the firm with additional product technology, manufacturing and process knowledge, raw material sources, and customer segments.
The Howell expansion of roughly 50 percent will allow for continued growth of its R&D activities and increased capability to provide customer support, officials said in a Sept. 12 news release.
The project will include an applied research lab and an analytical lab with advanced chemical analysis equipment. These new capabilities will serve Chem-Trend's worldwide customer base in die-casting, polyurethane, rubber, composites, tires, thermoplastics and wood composites.
Completion of the project is set for mid-2017. “This expansion reconfirms our commitment to continue delivering advanced product technologies that address the evolving needs of our customers,” President and CEO Devanir Moraes said in the release.
Chem-Trend and its parent firm, Freudenberg Chemical Specialties SE & Co. KG of Munich, in June announced plans for a 200,000-square-foot expansion of its site in Maisach, Germany. That project — with an estimated cost of $45 million — will include a new logistics center as well as new labs, storage space, offices and testing facilities. It will serve two other businesses owned by FCS as well.
