Lubar & Co. announced today that it has acquired Marinette-based ChemDesign, Inc.
Founded in 1982, ChemDesign is one of the leading providers of custom toll manufacturing services to the global chemical industry. The company has developed a strong reputation for partnering with its blue-chip customers, utilizing its technical personnel, flexible manufacturing facilities and process optimization capabilities to produce highly complex chemicals.
“This is an exceptionally talented, knowledgeable and experienced organization and we look forward to a rewarding relationship with CEO Dave Mielke and the rest of the ChemDesign team,” said David Lubar. “The company is well positioned to grow and create long-term partnerships with current and new customers who are well suited to their capabilities.”
ChemDesign’s primary operations are located in Marinette, Wisconsin. ”This is an outstanding company with attractive growth opportunities in our home state.” “We see a great match between the management group at ChemDesign and our team at Lubar & Co.,” said Vince Shiely, Partner at Lubar & Co.
The company has established a strong presence with leading chemical companies in several specialty chemical end markets, including agriculture, surfactants, additives, and specialty polymers. Many large chemical companies are increasingly turning to domestic toll processors, such as ChemDesign, to drive potential cost savings, reduce internal assets, and allow them to shift their focus toward research and development and away from non-core processes.
ChemDesign has and will continue to make substantial investments in the areas of product development, equipment capabilities, and personnel, which have driven many new and existing customers to partner with the company to develop new products.
“Lubar & Co. shares our company’s vision and our desire to continue to invest in and grow ChemDesign,” Dave Mielke said. “Our customers demand stability, continuity and growing capabilities from us, and Lubar & Co. fit the mold for what we were seeking in an investment firm – a strong understanding of our strategic business model and goals, a desire for a long-term relationship, and a successful track record of collaborating to support thriving companies.”
About Lubar & Co.
For more than 40 years, Milwaukee-based private investment firm Lubar & Co. has applied a unique blend of patient capital, collaborative vision and steadfast commitment to management teams to build thriving companies and strong communities. By doing the right things, day-in and day-out, Lubar & Co. nurtures market-leading companies that produce consistent growth and enhanced equity value over the long term. For more information, visit www.lubar.com.