GERETSRIED, Germany—Rudolf GmbH has acquired full ownership of Access Rudolf Technologies L.P. (ART), based in Rock Hill, S.C. The acquisition is a "significant milestone" for Rudolf, owner Wolfgang Schumann said, and will allow the German chemical application company to expand both its product portfolio and market reach.
Rudolf's joint venture with Access Technologies L.L.C. originally formed in January 2022, when the two companies brought together silicone formulation capabilities and industry knowledge. Now, ART's full acquisition by Rudolf will strengthen the company's presence in North America. The acquisition of ART also serves to further enhance Rudolf's offerings in the realm of silicone polymers and emulsions, Schumann said.
"Acquiring full ownership of ART allows us to integrate our advanced technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities more seamlessly into the North American market," Schumann said in a statement. "We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition brings and are committed to driving innovation and delivering high-quality solutions to our customers."
This acquisition will carry on the strong foundation that ART set forward during the partnership, the company said. In fully purchasing ART, Rudolf is hoping to not only meet, but continuously exceed, customer expectations in silicone technology.
"This move aligns with Rudolf's strategy to leverage its world-class R&D capabilities and expand beyond its core textile market," the company said.
Rudolf was founded as a family company over 100 years ago in Germany, and has since become a worldwide leader in textile chemistry, chemical coatings and automobile care. The company has 18 production sites around the globe, it said, and supports about 1,900 employees. Rudolf has worked to pioneer fluorine-free water repellency and other chemical solutions in recent years.
