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Hempel Acquires Blome International

Thursday, July 12, 2012

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Moving aggressively to expand its protective coatings reach, Hempel USA has announced the acquisition of Blome International, a global supplier of protective coatings and linings.

Hempel Group

Hempel Group President and CEO Pierre Yves Jullien (left) seals the deal with Blome International CEO Steven Blome.

Founded in 1975 as Blome Cements, Blome International manufactures polymer tank linings, environmental coating systems, composite strengthening systems, vitrified tiling systems, borosilicate glass block linings, and other corrosion-resistant, abrasion-resistant and high-temperature products and systems.

Company founder James C. Blome was a ceramic engineer and materials expert who gained numerous aerospace patents and oversaw a variety of commercial inventions, including protective heat shields for space re-entry vehicles, advanced pollution control devices for gasoline engines, and ceramic foam filters for molten metal processing and recycling.

Based in O’Fallon, MO, the company is now in its third generation of family ownership.

Protective Coating Growth

For the Danish-based Hempel Group, parent company of Hempel USA, the Blome acquisition marks a major step toward Hempel’s ambitious goal of quadrupling its protective coatings business.

“Blome International fits perfectly with our aggressive plan to continue to grow the oil and gas, food and beverage, and power segments in North America,” said Lars Johansen, Hempel Group Vice President, Americas.

“Blome International has a solid reputation in the market, a very dedicated and experienced staff, and innovative coating solutions.”

The protective coatings segment in the U.S. is significant and growing, Hempel said in a statement. “Therefore, the acquisition of a company well-positioned within the protective market is an important part of Hempel USA’s strategy.”

Brands Intact

Hempel will maintain Blome’s brands—Boro-Block, Thermcrete and Versi-Line—and will “continue to carry out Blome International’s existing objectives in North America,” said Malcolm Kerr, Hempel Sales Director for North America.

Blome International

Blome’s portfolio includes protective coatings and linings for the refining, power, wastewater, chemical process and other industries.

“Beyond products, Blome’s unrivalled commitment to excellent customer service makes them very attractive, and we will not change this in any way.”

Steven Blome said his company had found “the perfect new owner.” He added, “There is no doubt that Hempel and its employees are the right choice to take Blome International to the next level.”