ChemDesign Products, Inc.

Our Story

1982

The Beginning

1982

ChemDesign Group, a Massachusetts based Corporation is formed by Richard E. T. Brooks, a twenty-year veteran of Polaroid. He assembles a group of corporate and private investors to purchase Ansul Specialty Chemicals Division of Marinette, Wisconsin, creating SpecialtyChem Products.

1984

Rapid Growth

1984

For the period of November 1983 to the end of 1984, SpecialtyChem, a member of ChemDesign Group, experiences a 40% increase in sales and in jobs.

1985

Plant expands with support from the State of Wisconsin

1985

The City of Marinette receives over $200,000 of Wisconsin Small Cities Economic Development Funds to aid in the expansion of SpecialtyChem. The expansion, at a cost of $1.3 million, will modernize the campus.

1987

Grand Opening of the SpecialtyChem Building

1987

The expansion of Building 52 leads to excess capacity, which the company anticipates will be in the fine chemicals arena. A shift to fine chemicals emphasis is supported by a staff of 65 that includes four chemists with Ph.D.s.

1988

Five Year Celebration Leads to White House Recognition

1988

SpecialtyChem celebrates five years. Randy Christl, current CFO, is listed in the advertisement. Company founder Richard E.T. Brooks is honored with an SBA Award, presented to him by President George H.W. Bush at a White House ceremony.

1994

ChemDesign Group Sold to Bayer AG

1994

ChemDesign Group is sold to Miles Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bayer AG. Richard E.T. Brooks, founder, chairman, and CEO states, “Miles and its parent, Bayer, are two of the premier chemical firms in the world, and this merger presents an outstanding opportunity for ChemDesign to enhance its position as the leading fine chemical companies in the United States.”

1998

ChemDesign Celebrates 15 Years

1998

On November 19 & 21, 1998, the employees celebrated their 15th year anniversary.  Kirk Bourgeois, President and General Manager, thanks everyone for their dedication and service in safely operating the facility.

2001

ChemDesign Products Becomes Independent

In 2001, H.I.G. leads the acquisition of the Company from Bayer AG, creating ChemDesign Products. ChemDesign replaces $16 million of legacy Bayer business with custom and proprietary product sales.

2006

Resilience Capital Partners purchases the assets of ChemDesign Products’ Marinette, Wisconsin facility.

Resilience Capital Partners purchases the assets of ChemDesign Products’ Marinette, Wisconsin facility.

Resilience Capital Partners purchases the assets of ChemDesign Products’ Marinette, Wisconsin facility. The company focuses on growing the contract manufacturing business.

2012

ChemDesign Joins The Portfolio Of Companies Created by The Lubar & Co. Professional Ownership®

2006

ChemDesign Joins The Portfolio Of Companies Created by The Lubar & Co. Professional Ownership®

2020

Built Advanced Technology Center

ChemDesign’s technology center houses new quality control and process development laboratories, offices, conference rooms, and dedicated spaces for customers and visitors to utilize while on site.

Today

Planning for Tommorrow

ChemDesign provides fine and specialty chemical manufacturing services. The plan for the future is to grow organically in the toll manufacturing arena while reviewing strategic acquisition opportunities.