Vibrantz Technologies acquires Massachusetts-based speciality alumina manufacturer Micro Abrasives

Vibrantz Technologies, Inc., a leading global technology leader in colour solutions, functional coatings, and speciality minerals, announced on August 30 that it acquired Micro Abrasives Corporation, a Westfield, Massachusetts-based speciality alumina manufacturer.

Micro Abrasives specialises in making calcined alumina used in the automotive refinishing, optics polishing and industrial lapping markets. The company operates two facilities, one in Westfield, Massachusetts, and the other in Alexandria, Louisiana, with over 50 employees.

Established in 1957, Mirco Abrasives has developed 25 different product lines in 60 years that have applications in our everyday items like cellphones, computers, flooring, countertops, toothpaste, and automobiles, as well as in high-tech products such as national defence, aerospace, medical devices, and next-generation nuclear storage.

Vibrantz CEO D. Michael Wilson said, “Micro Abrasives is a strong complementary fit with our Advanced Materials business and capabilities. Their leadership in alumina-based lapping materials used in the production of wafers as key components for semiconductors opens an interesting new pathway for us at Vibrantz. At the same time, our strong reputation in surface technologies for the automotive and plastic lens polishing markets represents a significant opportunity for us to jointly develop additional product applications and drive growth in these markets.”

“Welcoming Micro Abrasives to Vibrantz is an exciting and strategic opportunity for many reasons,” said David Newton, president of Vibrantz’s Advanced Materials business segment. “Doug Stutz and his team have built a company with a solid financial profile and respectable performance and – much like Vibrantz – have invested in long-standing customer relationships to engineer and innovate a respected product portfolio.” Newton added that – during a transitionary period – Vibrantz will continue selling products under the Micro Abrasives name to ensure continuity for customers.”

Doug Stutz, president of Micro Abrasives, commented: “Our Micro Abrasives team looks forward to joining Vibrantz. Vibrantz has a strong track record of successfully integrating strategic acquisitions, and we believe the company’s innovative, safety- and excellence-focused culture is a great fit for our people and operations. We are confident that becoming part of Vibrantz will further accelerate our success.”