Our choice for Specialty Chemical Company of the year included evaluation of recent changes which has transformed the market:
The specialty chemicals industry is undergoing a significant transformation.
For decades, companies have focused on developing customized formulations and high-performance chemistry to serve industries such as agriculture, personal care, and manufacturing. But today, the landscape is shifting.
Supply chains are unpredictable, customer expectations are evolving, and sustainability has become a necessity than a choice.
Raw materials that once flowed smoothly through global networks are now harder to obtain. Delays, shortages, and price fluctuations are forcing chemical manufacturers to rethink their strategies. Companies that are succeeding aren’t just waiting for supply chains to stabilize—they’re diversifying suppliers, finding alternative materials, and optimizing logistics to stay ahead.
While customers demand reliable delivery and tailored products, governments require safer, more environmentally responsible production methods. Businesses that fail to comply invite hefty fines—or worse, lose their customers.
Customers are asking for transparency in sourcing, manufacturing, and environmental impact. They want to know that the chemicals they use are safe, responsibly produced, and aligned with green initiatives. This shift requires companies to rethink their entire approach, from raw materials to waste management.
We reviewed and interviewed several companies, and found MFG Chemical scored highest.
MFG Chemical: Leading the Charge
Amid these industry shifts, MFG Chemical, a specialty and custom chemical manufacturer based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, isn’t just keeping up—it’s staying ahead.
With a strong focus on reactor-based manufacturing, specialty and custom synthesis, and strategic acquisitions, the company is expanding its capabilities, now with five plants in the US and one in Canada to meet evolving customer needs.
“We understand that long-term success requires more than just compliance—it requires innovation,” says CEO Paul Turgeon. “By continuously refining our processes, investing in sustainable solutions, and strengthening partnerships, we are proving that adaptation isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in a changing world.”
MFG Chemical’s commitment to delivering exceptional solutions is evident in the success stories of its clients, demonstrating its ability to solve complex problems with precision and speed.
One illustrative case involved a customer experiencing an unexpected plant outage. The client was producing everything in-house and needed a solution to quickly replace production capacity and maintain product quality during an extended downtime.
MFG quickly adapted the customer’s product formulation and set up production, ensuring the client could meet their targets. In just a few months, MFG delivered millions of pounds of the required product, earning praise for the speed, quality, and seamless execution.
Another high-profile case took place during the Gulf oil spill. In the aftermath of the disaster, MFG collaborated with other companies to provide critical chemicals that played a key role in the cleanup efforts. With a high degree of urgency, the company scaled up production and delivered the required products, showcasing its ability to act quickly and efficiently in high-stakes situations.
Strengthening Market Position and Capabilities
One of the most significant ways MFG Chemical has expanded its reach is through acquisitions. Over the past three years, the company has completed three major acquisitions: Radical Polymers, Masters Company and HP Craft Polymers. Each acquisition has contributed to the company’s overall growth strategy, increasing production capacity, enhancing R&D capabilities, and diversifying product offerings.
The purchase of Radical Polymers brought proprietary antiscalent polymers, particularly in water treatment additives, strengthening MFG’s foothold in that sector. With the acquisition of Masters Company, a leader in industrial water quality testing, MFG has positioned itself in the water treatment market as the one-stop-shopping place for customers’ water treatment needs.
According to Mike Standish, MFG Chemical’s vice president of water additives, these acquisitions have allowed the company to offer a rare combination of proprietary chemistry and custom manufacturing.
“Most companies in our industry either focus on the supply of additives or offer contract manufacturing. What is unique about MFG is our ability to offer highly differentiated additives, patented technologies and collaborate with clients to provide custom manufacturing options. This breadth is unmatched in our industry and gives our customers an advantage in their respective markets”, Standish explains.
The acquisition of HP Craft Polymers, a specialized supplier of paints and coatings resins enabled MFG to expand its presence in the Paints and Coatings market.
With an increased manufacturing footprint and expanded technical expertise, MFG Chemical is positioning itself as a go-to partner for businesses that need flexibility, quality, and reliability.
Prioritizing Safety and Sustainability
In an industry where safety and environmental compliance are non-negotiable, MFG Chemical has made safety a core part of its corporate philosophy.
The company has been SOCMA ChemStewards-certified since 2009, an industry-recognized standard that emphasizes continuous improvement in health, safety, and environmental performance. Maintaining this certification requires ongoing audits, employee training programs, and process enhancements.
MFG Chemical’s commitment to safety has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, the company has received 16 safety improvement awards, reflecting its focus on maintaining high standards across its facilities.
Joe Welch, vice president of environmental, health, safety & security (EHS&S), explains: “We don’t see safety and compliance as checkboxes. We view them as fundamental to our ability to serve customers effectively. Our investments in safety upgrades, regulatory compliance, and personnel training ensure that we deliver a reliable and incident-free supply chain.”
Beyond regulatory compliance, MFG Chemical participates in EcoVadis sustainability assessments, which evaluate its corporate social responsibility performance. The company has also invested heavily in modernizing plant infrastructure—installing state-of-the-art emissions control technology, upgrading reactors, and enhancing process automation to ensure consistent quality and safer operations.
As environmental regulations tighten and customers demand greener, more sustainable chemical solutions, companies like MFG Chemical are working to stay ahead of the curve.
Customer-Centric Manufacturing
MFG is unique in that it tailors its offering exactly to customer needs. This is evident as many of their customers comment that when working with MFG it feels like its part of our business. MFG Chemical offers high-touch collaboration that goes beyond traditional chemical supply.
The company provides customers with direct access to its R&D, logistics, and manufacturing teams, ensuring that reaction chemistry, production processes, and deliveries align with specific requirements. Many customers rely on MFG Chemical as an outsourced R&D lab, while others integrate the company into their supply chain as a contract manufacturing partner.
“For some of our customers, they depend more on our R&D department. For others, we are their bespoke outsourced production facility. Our goal is to seamlessly integrate with their business operations so they can focus on their end markets while we handle their specialty chemical needs,” says Joe Dymecki, vice president of sales and marketing.
By focusing on customer success as a core business strategy, MFG Chemical has built long-standing relationships with key players in the water treatment, coatings, and energy sectors.
Committed to Innovation and Industry Leadership
In parallel with these developments, MFG Chemical has made sustainability a central focus, working closely with customers to develop low-impact, high-performance chemical solutions.
According to Dr. George Graham, vice president of operations, “MFG has partnered with several key customers to determine the carbon footprint of the entire supply chain of key products. We actively assist customers in navigating complex regulatory compliance issues and safety requirements. By aligning with the broader industry shift toward sustainable chemistry, MFG Chemical is ensuring it remains a preferred partner for companies looking to meet their environmental goals.”
Looking ahead, MFG Chemical is focused on organic growth, continued innovation, and additional strategic acquisitions. Turgeon sees the company’s future thriving, given their focus on continually improving and investing in their facilities, along with targeted acquisitions that expand its manufacturing capabilities.
“We continuously evaluate opportunities to expand our capabilities, whether through internal investments in our production facilities or by acquiring complementary businesses. Our goal is to stay ahead of industry trends and provide customers with the best possible solutions,” says Turgeon.
The company’s commitment to innovation and expansion ensures it remains a leader in the specialty chemicals sector. With a strong balance sheet and a promising pipeline of next-generation technologies, MFG Chemical is well-positioned to adapt to industry shifts, meet evolving customer demands, and pursue new opportunities in untapped markets.
As the specialty chemical industry continues to evolve, companies that emphasize innovation, safety, and customer integration will emerge as leaders. MFG Chemical is positioning itself to be one of them—leveraging its expertise, expanding its manufacturing capabilities, and deepening its customer relationships.
The specialty chemicals industry is undergoing a significant transformation.
For decades, companies have focused on developing customized formulations and high-performance chemistry to serve industries such as agriculture, personal care, and manufacturing. But today, the landscape is shifting.
Supply chains are unpredictable, customer expectations are evolving, and sustainability has become a necessity than a choice.
Raw materials that once flowed smoothly through global networks are now harder to obtain. Delays, shortages, and price fluctuations are forcing chemical manufacturers to rethink their strategies. Companies that are succeeding aren’t just waiting for supply chains to stabilize—they’re diversifying suppliers, finding alternative materials, and optimizing logistics to stay ahead.
While customers demand reliable delivery and tailored products, governments require safer, more environmentally responsible production methods. Businesses that fail to comply invite hefty fines—or worse, lose their customers.
Customers are asking for transparency in sourcing, manufacturing, and environmental impact. They want to know that the chemicals they use are safe, responsibly produced, and aligned with green initiatives. This shift requires companies to rethink their entire approach, from raw materials to waste management.
We reviewed and interviewed several companies, and found MFG Chemical scored highest.
MFG Chemical: Leading the Charge
Amid these industry shifts, MFG Chemical, a specialty and custom chemical manufacturer based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, isn’t just keeping up—it’s staying ahead.
With a strong focus on reactor-based manufacturing, specialty and custom synthesis, and strategic acquisitions, the company is expanding its capabilities, now with five plants in the US and one in Canada to meet evolving customer needs.
“We understand that long-term success requires more than just compliance—it requires innovation,” says CEO Paul Turgeon. “By continuously refining our processes, investing in sustainable solutions, and strengthening partnerships, we are proving that adaptation isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in a changing world.”
MFG Chemical’s commitment to delivering exceptional solutions is evident in the success stories of its clients, demonstrating its ability to solve complex problems with precision and speed.
One illustrative case involved a customer experiencing an unexpected plant outage. The client was producing everything in-house and needed a solution to quickly replace production capacity and maintain product quality during an extended downtime.
We continuously evaluate opportunities to expand our capabilities, whether through internal investments in our production facilities or by acquiring complementary businesses. Our goal is to stay ahead of industry trends and provide customers with the best possible solutions.
MFG quickly adapted the customer’s product formulation and set up production, ensuring the client could meet their targets. In just a few months, MFG delivered millions of pounds of the required product, earning praise for the speed, quality, and seamless execution.
Another high-profile case took place during the Gulf oil spill. In the aftermath of the disaster, MFG collaborated with other companies to provide critical chemicals that played a key role in the cleanup efforts. With a high degree of urgency, the company scaled up production and delivered the required products, showcasing its ability to act quickly and efficiently in high-stakes situations.
Strengthening Market Position and Capabilities
One of the most significant ways MFG Chemical has expanded its reach is through acquisitions. Over the past three years, the company has completed three major acquisitions: Radical Polymers, Masters Company and HP Craft Polymers. Each acquisition has contributed to the company’s overall growth strategy, increasing production capacity, enhancing R&D capabilities, and diversifying product offerings.
The purchase of Radical Polymers brought proprietary antiscalent polymers, particularly in water treatment additives, strengthening MFG’s foothold in that sector. With the acquisition of Masters Company, a leader in industrial water quality testing, MFG has positioned itself in the water treatment market as the one-stop-shopping place for customers’ water treatment needs.
According to Mike Standish, MFG Chemical’s vice president of water additives, these acquisitions have allowed the company to offer a rare combination of proprietary chemistry and custom manufacturing.
“Most companies in our industry either focus on the supply of additives or offer contract manufacturing. What is unique about MFG is our ability to offer highly differentiated additives, patented technologies and collaborate with clients to provide custom manufacturing options. This breadth is unmatched in our industry and gives our customers an advantage in their respective markets”, Standish explains.
The acquisition of HP Craft Polymers, a specialized supplier of paints and coatings resins enabled MFG to expand its presence in the Paints and Coatings market.
With an increased manufacturing footprint and expanded technical expertise, MFG Chemical is positioning itself as a go-to partner for businesses that need flexibility, quality, and reliability.
Prioritizing Safety and Sustainability
In an industry where safety and environmental compliance are non-negotiable, MFG Chemical has made safety a core part of its corporate philosophy.
The company has been SOCMA ChemStewards-certified since 2009, an industry-recognized standard that emphasizes continuous improvement in health, safety, and environmental performance. Maintaining this certification requires ongoing audits, employee training programs, and process enhancements.
MFG Chemical’s commitment to safety has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, the company has received 16 safety improvement awards, reflecting its focus on maintaining high standards across its facilities.
Joe Welch, vice president of environmental, health, safety & security (EHS&S), explains: “We don’t see safety and compliance as checkboxes. We view them as fundamental to our ability to serve customers effectively. Our investments in safety upgrades, regulatory compliance, and personnel training ensure that we deliver a reliable and incident-free supply chain.”
Beyond regulatory compliance, MFG Chemical participates in EcoVadis sustainability assessments, which evaluate its corporate social responsibility performance. The company has also invested heavily in modernizing plant infrastructure—installing state-of-the-art emissions control technology, upgrading reactors, and enhancing process automation to ensure consistent quality and safer operations.
As environmental regulations tighten and customers demand greener, more sustainable chemical solutions, companies like MFG Chemical are working to stay ahead of the curve.
Customer-Centric Manufacturing
MFG is unique in that it tailors its offering exactly to customer needs. This is evident as many of their customers comment that when working with MFG it feels like its part of our business. MFG Chemical offers high-touch collaboration that goes beyond traditional chemical supply.
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By continuously refining our processes, investing in sustainable solutions, and strengthening partnerships, we are proving that adaptation isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in a changing world.
The company provides customers with direct access to its R&D, logistics, and manufacturing teams, ensuring that reaction chemistry, production processes, and deliveries align with specific requirements. Many customers rely on MFG Chemical as an outsourced R&D lab, while others integrate the company into their supply chain as a contract manufacturing partner.
“For some of our customers, they depend more on our R&D department. For others, we are their bespoke outsourced production facility. Our goal is to seamlessly integrate with their business operations so they can focus on their end markets while we handle their specialty chemical needs,” says Joe Dymecki, vice president of sales and marketing.By focusing on customer success as a core business strategy, MFG Chemical has built long-standing relationships with key players in the water treatment, coatings, and energy sectors.
Committed to Innovation and Industry Leadership
In parallel with these developments, MFG Chemical has made sustainability a central focus, working closely with customers to develop low-impact, high-performance chemical solutions.
According to Dr. George Graham, vice president of operations, “MFG has partnered with several key customers to determine the carbon footprint of the entire supply chain of key products. We actively assist customers in navigating complex regulatory compliance issues and safety requirements. By aligning with the broader industry shift toward sustainable chemistry, MFG Chemical is ensuring it remains a preferred partner for companies looking to meet their environmental goals.”
Looking ahead, MFG Chemical is focused on organic growth, continued innovation, and additional strategic acquisitions. Turgeon sees the company’s future thriving, given their focus on continually improving and investing in their facilities, along with targeted acquisitions that expand its manufacturing capabilities.
“We continuously evaluate opportunities to expand our capabilities, whether through internal investments in our production facilities or by acquiring complementary businesses. Our goal is to stay ahead of industry trends and provide customers with the best possible solutions,” says Turgeon.
The company’s commitment to innovation and expansion ensures it remains a leader in the specialty chemicals sector. With a strong balance sheet and a promising pipeline of next-generation technologies, MFG Chemical is well-positioned to adapt to industry shifts, meet evolving customer demands, and pursue new opportunities in untapped markets.
As the specialty chemical industry continues to evolve, companies that emphasize innovation, safety, and customer integration will emerge as leaders. MFG Chemical is positioning itself to be one of them—leveraging its expertise, expanding its manufacturing capabilities, and deepening its customer relationships.
