Quaker Chemical, Houghton Intl. companies combine

Quaker Chemical Corp., Conshohocken, Pa., and Houghton Intl. Inc., Valley Forge, Pa., both providers of process fluids, chemical specialties, and technical expertise to the global primary metals and metalworking industries, have executed a definitive agreement to combine the companies.

Combining the two companies’ products and services will allow the new company to improve service to customers in the automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment, metals, mining, machinery, marine, offshore, and container industries. The business will offer products including removal fluids, forming fluids, protecting fluids, heat-treating fluids, industrial lubricants, and greases. The expanded portfolio is expected to allow further expansion into India, Korea, Japan, and Mexico.

The companies will continue to operate independently until the transaction is completed at the end of 2017 or early 2018. Michael F. Barry will continue as chairman/CEO of the new business.