Huber completes Magnifin acquisition, enhances additive business for thermoplastics, elastomers
Magnifin Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & Co. KG produces a wide range of halogen-free fire retardants, smoke suppressants and specialty aluminum oxides sold globally.
Breitenau, Austria plant. Photo Credit: Huber Engineered Materials
The Huber Engineered Materials (HEM, Atlanta, Ga., U.S.) acquisition of refractory products, systems and services supplier RHI Magnesita’s (RHIM, Vienna, Austria) 50% ownership stake in the 50/50 joint venture, Magnifin Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & Co. KG (Breitenau, Austria), signed on May 4, 2021, closed effective Dec. 31.
“This transition is a strong strategic fit with HEM’s mission to own and operate specialty chemical and mineral companies with market leading positions,” says Dan Krawczyk, president of HEM.
Magnifin products are sold globally by Martinswerk GmbH, a subsidiary of HEM, as part of the HEM Fire Retardant Additives (FRA) strategic business unit, which produces a wide range of halogen-free fire retardants, smoke suppressants and specialty aluminum oxides to enhance the fire, smoke and toxicity (FST) properties of composite parts.
Magnifin has been producing premium magnesium hydroxide (MDH) products since 1990. Magnifin coated and uncoated magnesium hydroxides are reported to be environmentally friendly, halogen-free fire retardants used in a wide range of polymer applications, especially thermoplastic materials and elastomers requiring high processing temperatures in excess of 300°C. Typical fire-retardant applications include energy and local area network (LAN) data cables, automotive wire and cable, engineering thermoplastics (e.g., connectors) and construction membranes.
“This step forward demonstrates our commitment towards our customers to support their growth and our clear strategy to grow our halogen-free fire retardant and specialty material business globally,” adds Victor Dean, general manager of HEM’s FRA strategic business unit.
