Chem-Trend buys mold release supplier Huron Technologies; expands Michigan R&D facilities

It’s been a busy few days for mold release agent and purging compound maker Chem-Trend LP.

Howell, Mich.-based Chem-Trend has acquired Huron Technologies Inc., a Leslie, Mich.-based company that focuses on customized mold release agents and related products for multiple molding applications.

The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

“This acquisition will help us strengthen our product offering to the polyurethane industry while providing us with unique growth opportunities into other segments, such as friction products and concrete molding,” said Chem-Trend president and CEO Devanir Moraes. “By adding the products of Huron Technologies to Chem-Trend, we will provide end users and distribution partners with a more comprehensive range of release systems and complementary molding process aids that create even greater value, efficiency, and productivity.”

Also this week, Chem-Trend announced plans to expand its R&D facilities in Howell by 50 per cent to allow for what it called “continued growth of its research and development activities and increased capabilities to provide customer support.”

“The expansion is planned to accommodate additional world-class R&D facilities that include an applied research laboratory, an analytical laboratory featuring advanced chemical analysis equipment and state-of-the-art industry-dedicated laboratories that, in close collaboration with [our] additional R&D laboratories around the globe, develop innovative technologies and deliver technical service to Chem-Trend’s worldwide customer base in the die casting, polyurethane, rubber, composites, tire, thermoplastics and wood composite industry segments,” the company said in a statement.

Completion of the project is targeted for mid-2017.

Chem-Trend has production facilities on four continents, offices or local representatives in 18 countries, and a distribution network that covers more than 50 countries.