ST LOUIS—Accella Performance Materials Inc. has purchased IPS Polymer Systems Inc. to give the company a much stronger presence on the West Coast and expand its growing polyurethane operation.
A manufacturer of polyurethane systems and recycled rubber products, Accella's strategic plan is to build the leading polyurethane systems house in North America with an even stronger presence on the West Coast, a company spokesman said.
The addition of IPS, which operates out of a plant in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., will help accomplish those goals, according to Accella CEO Andy Harris.
Combined, the companies have more than 40 years of experience with polyurethane technology and proprietary formulations, he said. “IPS is an excellent fit with Accella's current polyurethanes business and will bring expanded technology and capabilities to both companies.”
Harris said that building the leading independent polyurethane system house in North America will bring the greatest value and offerings to the firm's customers.
Ezzat Seif, founder and former CEO of IPS, will remain with the firm and continue to be part of the company's leadership team. He said the acquisition will give IPS a broader customer base. “We selected St. Louis-headquartered Accella as a good cultural fit and to bring greater opportunities to our valued employees and customers.”
IPS' present work force will remain with the company and continue to operate out of the Rancho Cucamonga facility, which spans about 50,000 square feet, the spokesman said. He said the IPS name and brand also will be retained.
Merging IPS into the Accella group of companies, formerly called Dash Multi-Corp., brings together an expansive polyurethane technology portfolio, regional manufacturing and technical application expertise, supported by an expanding national sales channel when combined with MarChem Polyurethane Systems, Arnco and Pathway Polymers, the spokesman said.
MarChem produces specialty formulated and customized polyurethane materials for athletic surfacing, carpet backing and industrial applications. Arnco and Pathway Polymers, both acquired in May 2013, focus on rubber and urethane tire fill.
Accella, a platform company of Arsenal Capital Partners, also has several other businesses under its umbrella, including RTH Processing Inc. and RDT Manufacturing L.L.C., which were purchased by Accella in May 2014.
RDT manufactures rolled rubber products, including athletic flooring, commercial flooring, acoustical underlayment and load containment matting. RTH produces EPDM granules used in playground surfacing, running tracks and other rubber goods.
John Televantos, a partner at New York-based Arsenal Capital and a long-time urethane industry veteran, praised Accella for the progress it has made in the last several years and for the addition of IPS, which he said strengthens the firm's polyurethanes platform “and will enhance the value Accella brings to market.”
He said Arsenal Capital is committed “to support Accella's ongoing growth and will continue to invest in strategic opportunities that will further transform the business.”