SMS group, Houghton form strategic partnership

Germany-based SMS group, a supplier of equipment for the manufacture of steel, aluminum, and nonferrous metal products, and Houghton Intl. Inc., a Norristown, Pa.-based supplier of fluids and chemicals for metal processing, have formed a partnership to develop and market oil-based cooling lubricants and emulsions for cold rolling mills.

Under this partnership, the companies will pool their R&D resources to offer cooling lubricants to steel makers.