Albemarle's arm Chemetall buys aluminium finishing business of Chemal GmbH

Chemetall, a global business unit of the US-based Albemarle Corporation, has acquired the business of Chemal GmbH & Co KG, based in Hamm, Germany. This transaction will enhance Chemetall's integrated portfolio for the aluminium finishing industry.

Chemal GmbH & Co KG, founded in 1975, specialises in research and development of surface finishing chemicals for aluminium and its alloys with emphasis on anodising and pretreatment technologies.

"Consisting of advanced pretreatment and anodising technologies, Chemetall is one of the few players globally positioned with a comprehensive product range for the aluminium finishing industry. This transaction will expand our expertise in this market and, combined with strong technical services offered by our wholly-owned subsidiaries around the world, will enable us to further expand our presence in a key market," said Joris Merckx, president Chemetall.

With chrome-free pretreatment technologies, such as the zirconium-titanium Gardobond X and the silane-based, multi-metal Oxsilan technology, Chemetall has taken a leading role in launching innovative and high quality processes to the market.

"Our customers expect us to deliver a full portfolio of solutions to meet upcoming environmental legislation and achieve process cost savings. With the completion of this acquisition, we can offer differentiated products and services to bring true value for our customers with minimal investments,” added Martin Ings, global segment manager, aluminium finishing, Chemetall.