Dramatic expansion in Asia Pacific

Targeting new business opportunities in the world’s fastest growing markets, the Huber China Office opens in 2005 in Shanghai. The office paves the way for Huber’s core businesses to establish a presence and better serve both local and multinational customers.

By 2007, CP Kelco, Huber Engineered Materials and Huber Engineered Woods LLC are all doing business in China. For example, Huber Engineered Woods reaches an agreement with China’s largest building materials manufacturer and distributor to sell OSB (oriented strand board).

Huber’s first manufacturing operations in China begin in 2006 with CP Kelco’s acquisition of a xanthan gum facility in the Shandong Province. Later that year, CP Kelco breaks ground on a new plant in Taixing, China, to manufacture CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose, or celluose gum). The Taixing plant becomes operational in 2009.

Huber opens its China Technical Center in 2007 in Shanghai to help Huber Engineered Materials and CP Kelco develop innovative applications for food products; consumer, industrial and paper products; and oral care products.

To meet the needs of the world’s largest toothpaste manufacturers, Huber Engineered Materials begins construction of a new dental silica plant in Qingdao, China, in 2007. The plant celebrates its first commercial sale in the first quarter of 2010. That same year, the business strengthens its commitment to the Asia Pacific region by announcing plans to expand its silica plant in Jhagadia, India, adding production capacity for both dental and industrial coating silicas.

Reflecting the continued growth of it businesses in China, Huber relocates its regional headquarters operations in Shanghai in 2012. Situated in a district devoted to high-tech and new-tech industries, the office provides additional space for administrative, sales and support functions, along with expanded labs providing applications support for customers of CP Kelco and Huber Engineered Materials.

Here are some other highlights from Huber’s history: