About Us
Chemistry That Makes a Difference.
A chemical company that helps our partners make a difference in the world — developing chemistries that simplify, advance, and optimize life in every way.
Our Mission
Chemistry Made for What Matters
We challenge ourselves every day to develop chemistries that improve everyday products and processes — enhancing the lives of people around the world.
High Quality
ISO-certified manufacturing facilities with rigorous quality control ensuring every product meets the highest standards.
Simple & Reliable
Proven processes and stable supply chains delivering operational dependability you can count on.
Best-in-Class Partner
Supply security, cost-effectiveness, and a genuine partnership approach focused on your success.
Our Principles
How We Do Business
Proactive Innovation
Constantly challenging ourselves to find new chemistries that help companies perform better, more safely, and more sustainably.
Customer Dedication
A true partnership approach — ensuring our chemistries meet each client's precise needs, with technical support every step of the way.
Ethical Operations
Commitment to respecting our employees, partners, and the environment — guided by strict codes of conduct and continuous safety improvement.
Our Heritage
75+ Years of Innovation
From early boron chemistry research to a global specialty chemical leader — our history reflects a relentless commitment to advancing chemical science.
- 1939
U.S. Manufacturing Begins
Alkali metal alkoxide manufacturing commences at what will become the Evans City, Pennsylvania facility — the foundation of what is today our CALLERY™ Specialty Alcoholates portfolio.
- 1946
Boron Chemistry Research
MSA begins exploring boron chemistry, laying the scientific groundwork for decades of innovation in hydride and borane technology.
- 1957
First Commercial Borohydride
First commercial production of sodium borohydride in Danvers, Massachusetts, establishing the company as a pioneer in hydride chemistry.
- 1959
Metal Hydride, Inc.
Metal Hydride, Inc. is formally established, marking the beginning of a dedicated specialty chemical enterprise focused on hydride-based technologies.
- 1964
Strem Chemicals Founded
Strem Chemicals is founded, growing into a world-renowned supplier of 6,000+ specialty chemicals including metals, inorganics, and organometallics.
- 1976
Pacific Northwest Expansion
The Elma, Washington manufacturing plant is constructed, adding near-zero waste, hydroelectric-powered production capacity to the growing enterprise.
- 1988
cGMP Manufacturing
Strem Chemicals initiates cGMP API manufacturing, establishing the pharmaceutical-grade synthesis capabilities that now serve customers in 20+ countries.
- 2015–2021
Strategic Acquisitions
A series of transformative acquisitions — including Dow's sodium borohydride business, Callery Chemical, Montgomery Chemicals, and Strem Chemicals — creates a specialty chemical leader with a comprehensive portfolio and global reach.
- Today
Ascensus Specialties
Operating four ISO-certified manufacturing sites across the US and UK, serving customers in pharmaceuticals, life sciences, pulp & paper, and advanced manufacturing worldwide.
75+
Years of chemistry expertise
4
ISO-certified manufacturing sites
20+
Countries with DMF filings
6,000+
Specialty chemicals in Strem catalog
Manufacturing
Our Global Facilities
Four ISO-certified manufacturing plants across the United States and United Kingdom, providing reliable supply for customers worldwide.
Elma, Washington
4800 State Route 12, Elma, WA
Near-zero waste facility powered by hydroelectric energy. ISO-certified.
Evans City, Pennsylvania
1424 Mars-Evans City Rd, Evans City, PA
80+ years of continuous operations. ISO-certified manufacturing.
Newburyport, Massachusetts
7 Mulliken Way, Newburyport, MA
Laboratory, high-pressure, and cGMP manufacturing capabilities.
Newmarket, United Kingdom
Haverhill Road, Stradishall, Newmarket, UK
60+ years of operational history serving European customers.
Leadership
Our Executive Team
Experienced leaders from specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing driving our mission forward.
James Hargrove
Chief Executive Officer
Ex-Praxair Specialty Materials CEO; U.S. Navy nuclear submarine officer
David Thornton
Chief Financial Officer
Ex-Ashland Global Holdings CFO; 15+ years specialty chemicals finance
Carlos Rivera
Chief Operating Officer
Founded Meridian Operations Group; 30+ years manufacturing and supply chain
Claire Whitmore
Chief Commercial Officer
Ex-SVP BioVentix Sciences; led multiple VC-backed life science companies
Mark Ellison
Chief Product, Technology & Strategy Officer
Ex-Sealed Air Corporation Director Product Management; 12 years Lanxess Corporation
Jennifer Walsh
Chief Human Resources Officer
15+ years HR leadership in specialty chemicals and manufacturing
Robert Calder
VP Corporate Development
Ex-Cabot Corporation Director Corporate Development; 25+ years M&A
Standards
Quality & Compliance
Our facilities and processes are certified to the highest international quality and safety standards.
Join Our Team
We're looking for talented people to help us build the chemistry that matters.