Huber Specialty Hydrates, a subsidiary of J.M. Huber, announces it has acquired the specialty hydrate flame retardant business of Almatis, located in Bauxite, Arkansas. The acquisition includes the Bauxite, Arkansas specialty hydrate manufacturing operation and all product grades under the Hydral and SpaceRite brands.

"The addition of the Almatis specialty hydrate business located in Bauxite is another exciting step in the growth of Huber's Fire Retardant Additive business, as we continue to strengthen our portfolio of non-halogen flame retardant offerings," says Jerry Bertram, Vice President and General Manager of the Industrial Mineral business of Huber Engineered Materials, a division of Huber. "HEM entered into a tolling arrangement over a year ago with Almatis to sell, market and provide technical service support for its specialty hydrates."

The Hydral and SpaceRite products will continue to be manufactured in Bauxite and all product specifications will remain the same. Since the tolling arrangement began in December 2010, HEM has been building strong relationships globally with a number of companies seeking specialty hydrate flame retardants.