Michelman Acquires State-of-the-Art Coatings Manufacturer

Michelman today announced the acquisition of Raleigh, North Carolina based Hydrosize® Technologies, Inc. Hydrosize is a manufacturer of state-of-the-art coatings including sizings, film formers, fixatives, binders as well as resins for the coating and composite industries.

Key to the acquisition, Hydrosize gives Michelman a waterborne polyurethane sizing technology designed specifically for the fibers and composites market. The polyurethane dispersion technology will complement Michelman’s existing line of polyolefin-based solutions, and will be developed for applications in other markets including coatings and packaging.

Hydrosize carries its own polyolefin line, which will strengthen and supplement Michelman’s existing offering. The company also boasts the world’s only solvent free, high temperature sizing for use in advanced composites.

Hydrosize was co-owned by husband and wife, Andy and Heather Brink. Dr. Andy Brink has joined the staff of Michelman to ensure a successful transition, and has been named Business Development Manager, Fibers & Composites. He will work with the combined customer groups, and bring his wealth of marketing and technical expertise to Michelman’s growing fibers & composites business.

When asked about benefits the acquisition would present to current Hydrosize customers, Dr. Brink commented that “Michelman’s strong global presence will be a great benefit to Hydrosize customers. It will allow us to support their worldwide growth initiatives with experienced and knowledgeable staff, as well as a developed infrastructure.”

According to Mr. Steve Shifman, President and CEO at Michelman, “Hydrosize is a perfect fit for our company. Their strengths lie in the fibers and composites market, one of our fastest growing business units. The Brinks have developed a strong and truly unique product offering that will help us answer the increasingly demanding needs of our global markets.” Marty Riehemann, Vice President, Chemical Specialties, went on to say “Dr. Brink has no equal when it comes to sizing chemistry as it applies to the fiber/plastic interface, and we look forward to developing and offering those capabilities to our customers.”