TCL #17: Techmer PM Expands, Syensqo’s Carbon Capture Push, Aganitha’s AI for Biotech, Jabil’s Pharma Move & More

In this edition of The Chem Ledger, I cover Techmer PM’s latest acquisition to expand its color concentrates business, Syensqo and Ardent Technologies’ partnership in carbon capture, and Aganitha’s AI-driven push for therapeutic research. Plus, Jabil’s strategic move in pharmaceutical manufacturing, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical’s efforts in methanol-to-hydrogen technology, and ArcelorMittal’s $1.2 billion investment in electrical steel. Stay updated on the latest breakthroughs in the chemical and allied industries.

Materials

Techmer PM, a materials firm based in Tennessee, has acquired Colors for Plastics, a provider of color concentrates and custom color solutions. Before this acquisition, Techmer PM also purchased OptiColor Inc. in October 2024 and Advanced Color Technologies in July 2023. Techmer PM, founded in 1981, specializes in technical polymer modifications and operates seven plants across North America.

Carbon Capture

Syensqo and Ardent Technologies have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating advancements in carbon capture technology. This collaboration builds on over two years of successful prior cooperation. It focuses on scaling production capabilities and fortifying the supply chain to ensure that the materials and technologies required for carbon capture are readily available. Syensqo brings its expertise in materials science and industrial scale, while Ardent contributes its Optiperm^TM membrane technology, which is designed for carbon capture and olefin-paraffin separation. 

Biotech

Aganitha has launched Igniva™, a suite of AI agents aimed at enhancing therapeutic design and research. Igniva™ is designed to advance biopharma research and development (R&D) by providing reasoning and explainability in AI-driven therapeutic research, thereby supporting precision medicine across various disease areas.

Pharma

Jabil Inc. has completed the acquisition of Pharmaceutics International, Inc. (Pii), a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This acquisition aims to strengthen Jabil's position in the CDMO market, particularly in areas such as aseptic filling, lyophilization, and oral solid dose manufacturing. 

Energy

1. Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (MGC), Methanol Reformer S.L., and Element 1 Corp. have announced a strategic collaboration to accelerate the design, manufacture, and sales of Methanol-to-Hydrogen generators, which are modular and mass-producible. MGC will supply methanol feedstock, Methanol Reformer S.L. will handle manufacturing, and Element 1 Corp. will provide intellectual property and design expertise. 
2. Norwegian Hydrogen has acquired Aker Horizons' hydrogen project located in Rjukan, Norway. This project is part of Norwegian Hydrogen's broader strategy to enhance its capabilities in green hydrogen production, which is crucial for meeting the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions. The project is set to develop a 25 MW hydrogen production facility. There are plans for potential expansion beyond this initial capacity. The project will continue to benefit from an existing power purchase agreement (PPA) with Tinn Energi, ensuring a reliable energy supply for the hydrogen production process. This acquisition aligns with Norwegian Hydrogen's goal of establishing a competitive and sustainable value chain for green hydrogen across the Nordic region.

Instrumentation

Labomatic Instruments AG and KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH have announced a strategic cooperation to enhance their product offerings. KNAUER specializes in analytical liquid chromatography systems with flow rates from 0.001 to 10 mL/min at pressures up to 862 bar and offers preparative HPLC systems for continuous operation with flow rates from 5 to 200 mL/min. Labomatic focuses on preparative and process HPLC systems and provides higher flow rates (0.28 to 2.0 L/min) and pressures (up to 600 bar) for preparative systems. 

Defense and Aerospace

The Thermal Group (TTG) has announced its acquisition of Applied Composite Technology Aerospace, LLC (ACT), a manufacturer based in Gunnison, Utah. This move aims to enhance TTG's capabilities in producing advanced composite structures for the aerospace and defense sectors. TTG is known for designing and manufacturing mission-critical components for defense, aerospace, and industrial applications. It is a portfolio company of Behrman Capital. ACT specializes in advanced composite manufacturing techniques, including laminate construction, composite compression molding, and resin transfer molding. The financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed. 

Manufacturing

1. Patrick Industries, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Elkhart Composites, a company based in Elkhart, Indiana. Elkhart Composites, previously owned by Thor Industries, specializes in manufacturing composite products, particularly for the recreational vehicle (RV) and marine industries. Their products marketed under the Elkboard brand, include lightweight and durable composite materials used for sidewalls and ceilings, which serve as alternatives to traditional wood materials. This move by Patrick Industries aims to expand its portfolio of composite material offerings, enhancing its ability to serve RV and marine manufacturers.
2. ArcelorMittal is moving forward with the construction of a new non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NOES) manufacturing facility in Alabama. The project represents a significant investment of $1.2 billion. The facility will be located in Mobile County, near the existing AM/NS Calvert facility. It is expected to produce up to 150,000 metric tons of electrical steel annually. The construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025 and the production is anticipated to commence in 2027. This facility will play a crucial role in supplying specialty electrical steel for applications such as electric vehicle motors and other advanced technologies. 

Biomaterials

Modern Synthesis, a London-based startup specializing in sustainable biomaterials, has secured $5.5 million in funding. This investment was led by Extantia Capital, with participation from other investors such as Artesian and Collab Fund. The funding will be utilized to enhance the production capabilities of their biomaterials, which are primarily aimed at providing eco-friendly alternatives to leather and plastics in the fashion industry.

Recycling

MacroCycle Technologies raised $6.5 million in seed funding to develop its technology for upcyling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester textile waste. This funding round was led by Clean Energy Ventures and Volta Circle, with additional participation from KDT Ventures and Neotribe Ventures. This funding will be utilized to enhance their operations by 50% and scale their pilot plant facilities. Macrocycle's technology aims to significantly reduce the energy required for plastic recycling, achieving this with 80% less energy compared to conventional methods. The company is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is a spin-out from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

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