PQ purchases Swiss silicate business

Malvern-based PQ, a silicates, silicas and derivative products provider, recently purchased Switzerland-based vanBaerle Group’s specialty silicate business.

The purchase allows PQ to further diversify its capabilities and offerings across several critical end-use segments.

“vanBaerle is an important addition to our PQ network,” Al Beninati, PQ CEO, said. “This acquisition allows us to expand our specialty silicate product and service offerings, reach new customers, and accelerate our growth. We are excited to bring vanBaerle’s customized solutions into the PQ silicate network and expect to bring additional value to the combined customer base.

“Like PQ, vanBaerle has a long history of innovation, quality, service, and sustainability. We look forward to continuing to deliver on our shared commitment to excellence in this new chapter.”

“Over the next year, the vanBaerle team will be working closely with PQ to ensure that our long-term customers continue to be supplied with high-quality silicate products,” vanBaerle CEO Daniel Schenk said.

PQ’s products are used in a various industrial processes and customer products including beer, biofuels, clean drinking water decorative paints, green cement, green tires, and toothpaste. The company operates 30 facilities in 13 countries, employing 1,500 people.

vanBaerle’s silicates are used as binders for welding electrodes, façade, and interior paints as well as for various functions in the construction industry.