Quaker Chemical Profile
Quaker Chemical Corporation (doing business as Quaker Houghton) develops, produces, and markets a broad range of formulated chemical specialty products. The company offers chemical management services for various heavy industrial and manufacturing applications throughout its four segments: Americas; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); Asia/Pacific; and Global Specialty Businesses.
With a presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, the company’s customers include thousands of the world’s most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, container, mining, and metalworking companies.
The major product lines of Quaker Houghton include metal removal fluids, cleaning fluids, corrosion inhibitors, metal drawing and forming fluids, die cast mold releases, heat treatment and quenchants, metal forging fluids, hydraulic fluids, specialty greases, offshore sub-sea energy control fluids, rolling lubricants, rod and wire drawing fluids and surface treatment chemicals.
Major Customers and Markets
In 2022, Quaker Houghton’s five largest customers (each composed of multiple subsidiaries or divisions with semi-autonomous purchasing authority) accounted for approximately 11% of consolidated net sales, with its largest customer accounting for approximately 3% of consolidated net sales. A significant portion of the company’s revenues are realized from the sale of process fluids and services to manufacturers of steel, aluminum, automobiles, aircraft, industrial equipment, and durable goods.
Patents and Trademarks
Quaker Houghton has a limited number of patents and patent applications, including patents issued, applied for, or acquired in the U.S. and in various foreign countries, some of which may be material to its business, with the earliest patent expiry in 2024. Quaker Houghton products are identified by numerous trademarks that are registered throughout its marketing area.
Research and Development
The company’s research and development expenses during the year ended December 31, 2022, included $46.0 million.
Acquisitions
In October 2022, the company acquired a business that provides pickling and rinsing products and services, which is part of the EMEA segment.
In January 2022, the company acquired a business that provides pickling inhibitor technologies, drawing lubricants and stamping oil, and various other lubrication, rust preventative, and cleaner applications, which is part of the Americas reportable segment. This business broadens the company’s product offerings within its existing metals and metalworking business in the Americas reportable segment.
In January 2022, the company acquired a business related to the sealing and impregnation of metal castings for the automotive sector, as well as impregnation resin and impregnation systems for metal parts, which is part of the Global Specialty Businesses segment. This business broadens the company’s product offerings and service capabilities within its existing impregnation business.
History
Quaker Chemical Corporation was founded in 1918. The company was incorporated as a Pennsylvania business corporation in 1930.
