AMERICHEM
Consolidation of European activities under US brand / Streamlining advances company's 2030 sustainability goals
— By Dede Williams —
 The company said its European activities will be aligned under the Americhem brand (Photo: Americhem) |
US masterbatch and compounds specialist Americhem (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; www.americhem.com) has announced plans to consolidate its European activities under the Americhem brand as it moves to align operations across global quality and manufacturing standards.
The majority family-owned company designs and manufactures custom colour masterbatches, functional additives, synthetic fibres, and TPEs at seven US locations, along with one each in China and India. In 2020, it added its first and as yet only European base, at Ribe, Denmark, with the acquisition of Danish masterbatch manufacturer Controlled Polymers (Ribe; www.conpol.com).
Related: Masterbatch business weighs on Plastika Kritis’s results
At Ribe, where Americhem has meanwhile expanded capacity, the company produces compounds for hearing aids, surgical tools, and drug delivery. To support its healthcare business, the site is certified according to ISO 13485.
The Ohio firm noted that it also has replicated its clean compounding developed in North America and has plans for expansion in Asia.
Key focus areas for Americhem in Europe additionally extend to manmade fibres and building products, where the US producer said that material durability, colour precision, and speed-to-market “matter most.” It also has local teams operating “fully within the company global systems.”
The European streamlining is also designed to advance Americhem’s 2030 sustainability goals, the company said. The Danish plants run on 100% renewable electricity and on-site solar, while energy-efficient technologies such as ColdPound are claimed to reduce usage by up to 85% compared with traditional extrusion.
The majority family-owned company designs and manufactures custom colour masterbatches, functional additives, synthetic fibres, and TPEs at seven US locations, along with one each in China and India. In 2020, it added its first and as yet only European base, at Ribe, Denmark, with the acquisition of Danish masterbatch manufacturer Controlled Polymers (Ribe; www.conpol.com).
Related: Masterbatch business weighs on Plastika Kritis’s results
At Ribe, where Americhem has meanwhile expanded capacity, the company produces compounds for hearing aids, surgical tools, and drug delivery. To support its healthcare business, the site is certified according to ISO 13485.
The Ohio firm noted that it also has replicated its clean compounding developed in North America and has plans for expansion in Asia.
Key focus areas for Americhem in Europe additionally extend to manmade fibres and building products, where the US producer said that material durability, colour precision, and speed-to-market “matter most.” It also has local teams operating “fully within the company global systems.”
The European streamlining is also designed to advance Americhem’s 2030 sustainability goals, the company said. The Danish plants run on 100% renewable electricity and on-site solar, while energy-efficient technologies such as ColdPound are claimed to reduce usage by up to 85% compared with traditional extrusion.
PPC engagement sealed
In February 2025, Americhem signed a definitive agreement with compatriot private equity investor Pritzker Private Capital (PPC, Chicago, Illinois; www.ppcpartners.com) calling for the transfer of an undisclosed majority stake. On 13 March, Pritzker announced that the transaction had been completed.
PPC said its investment and partnership will provide additional financial resources and expertise. The aim is for the business to accelerate growth, innovation, and expansion across Americhem’s end markets and sales offices located throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
The investor added that Americhem’s current leadership team, including CEO John Richard, will continue to guide the company. Founding family member Rick Juve will remain “a committed owner and steward” on the board of directors, it said.
PPC said its investment and partnership will provide additional financial resources and expertise. The aim is for the business to accelerate growth, innovation, and expansion across Americhem’s end markets and sales offices located throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
The investor added that Americhem’s current leadership team, including CEO John Richard, will continue to guide the company. Founding family member Rick Juve will remain “a committed owner and steward” on the board of directors, it said.
01.07.2025 Plasteurope.com [258197-0]
Published on 01.07.2025