Samyang Group Acquires U.S. R&D Hub as Verdant Takes Over Lubrizol Elmendorf

Strengthening Specialty Chemical Capabilities in North America
Synergy Expected in Chemical Materials for Oil and Gas Applications

Samyang Group is accelerating the expansion of its specialty (high value-added) chemical business by leveraging its U.S. subsidiary. The group aims to strengthen its presence in the North American market through an acquisition strategy focused on technological and research & development (R&D) capabilities.

Verdant Specialty Solutions, the American chemical affiliate of Samyang Group, announced on the 5th that it has acquired Lubrizol Elmendorf, a manufacturing and R&D site owned by global specialty chemical company Lubrizol. The acquisition includes the Lubrizol Elmendorf manufacturing plant, R&D facilities, related personnel, product portfolio, and pilot-scale equipment. The acquisition date was December 31 of last year.

A view of the Verdant Specialty Solutions factory, the chemical subsidiary of Samyang Group located in Texas, USA. Samyang Holdings

Lubrizol Elmendorf, located in Texas, USA, serves as a research hub for specialty chemicals used in oil and gas applications. It has produced and developed high-performance chemical materials essential for energy production processes, such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) scavengers, scale inhibitors, and corrosion inhibitors. As of 2024, its annual sales amount to approximately 47 billion won.

Samyang Group determined that the Lubrizol Elmendorf product lineup does not overlap with, but rather complements, Verdant's existing energy solutions business. Through this acquisition, the assets of Lubrizol Elmendorf will be integrated into Verdant's energy solutions business and operated as a base in the North American region.

Verdant will expand its portfolio beyond its existing personal care amphoteric surfactants and industrial nonionic surfactants to include specialty chemical materials for the energy sector. The company plans to accelerate the development of next-generation products based on the newly acquired R&D infrastructure. In the long term, it aims to strengthen its technological competitiveness in the specialty chemical market for oil and gas applications.

Todd Nelmark, CEO of Verdant, stated, "This acquisition is a significant strategic milestone in building a technology-driven energy solutions portfolio," adding, "The Lubrizol Elmendorf site possesses complementary capabilities to Verdant and will serve as a foundation for future growth."

Meanwhile, Samyang Group began its full-scale expansion into the high value-added chemical business in 2023 by acquiring Verdant, a global specialty chemical materials company. Verdant generates annual sales of approximately 300 billion won and serves over 1,000 customers worldwide, including global personal care brands such as Unilever and L'Oreal. The company is strengthening its global market presence based on production bases established in the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany.