Huber acquires Austrian flame retardant additives maker Magnifin

Atlanta, Georgia – Huber Engineered Materials (HEM) has strengthen its position in the fire retardant additives market with the full acquisition Magnifin Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & Co. KG – formely a 50/50 joint venture with RHI Magnesita.

Based in Breitenau, Austria, Magnifin produces coated and uncoated magnesium hydroxide (MDH) under the brand Magnifin. 

The products, said Huber in a 10 Jan statement, are “environment friendly, halogen-free fire retardants” used in a wide range of polymer applications, including elastomers requiring high processing temperatures in excess of 300 °C. 

Typical applications include energy and local area network (LAN) data cables, automotive wire & cable, engineering thermoplastics such as connectors and construction membranes.

Huber originally acquired its 50% share in Magnifin with the 2016 purchase of the Martinswerk, a Bergheim, Germany-based manufacturer of halogen-free products for flame retardant and smoke suppression applications. 

“This transition is a strong strategic fit with HEM’s mission to own and operate speciality chemical and mineral companies with market leading positions,” says Dan Krawczyk, president of HEM.

Huber offers a wide range of non-halogen flame retardant and smoke suppressant additives for fire retardants in rubber processing.  

The US company develops fire retardant compounds for multiple rubber-related applications including wire & cable; silicone rubber; foam insulation and general rubber goods.