Hallstar acquires ester manufacturing facility from LANXESS

Hallstar, a specialty chemical company servicing both the industrial and beauty markets, is acquiring the ester manufacturing facility owned by German specialty chemical company LANXESS located in Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.A. 

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The acquisition will expand Hallstar’s manufacturing capacity and product portfolio, and will include the ester manufacturing plant, select product lines and site personnel.

“This strategic acquisition complements Hallstar’s position as a leader in the design, synthesis and manufacturing of specialty ester chemistry,” said Hallstar CEO John J. Paro. “We’re glad to see increasing demand for our products but know that our continued success depends on supply security for our customers. The outstanding facility in Greensboro will be a welcome addition to Hallstar’s production capabilities.”

Carmen B. Masciantonio, chief operating officer and president of Hallstar Industrial Solutions, sees a close connection between the Greensboro operation and Hallstar’s strategy. 

“This manufacturing capacity expansion directly enables us to increase our polymeric plasticizer business in the U.S. market. The site has significant assets that produce environmentally friendly phthalate-free plasticizers including benzoate and citrate esters under the Uniplex® brand, as well as other specialty chemistries. The acquired products will further strengthen Hallstar’s global position and add to our portfolio of well-known brands – Plasthall®, Paraplex®, Dioplex®, Staflex® and TegMeR®,” she said. 

Hallstar and LANXESS will be working on the transition with an expectation 

Hallstar was formed in Chicago in 1986 by a team with extensive experience and proven leadership on both the scientific and business sides of the chemical industry. They established a strong research and development base focused on ester chemistry innovation for industrial applications.

In the early 2000s, Hallstar began expanding through strategic acquisitions of well-known, quality industrial brands. Seeing a natural extension of its ester chemistry expertise, Hallstar also began acquiring leading companies, significantly broadening its market focus. Hallstar also grew organically through internal innovation and advances in research, technology, regulatory expertise and a robust quality control process.

Hallstar continued to expand its global presence, increasing exports to Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and establishing facilities on nearly every continent. Today, Hallstar has an extensive portfolio of patented technology and remains an independent, agile company with an ownership-oriented culture and loyal customer relationships.